FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has reacted to a viral appeal by Pastor Sarah Omakwu, dismissing emotional pressure over the proposed development of the Jabi Lake recreation area in Abuja.
The response came during his Wednesday media briefing, days after the cleric publicly pleaded against any private takeover of the site.
Pastor’s plea sparks public attention
Omakwu, Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, had gone on her knees in a video, urging the minister not to allocate the lake area to private interests.
“I cannot fight the minister… but I go on my knees… that Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should not be given to anybody,” she said.
The emotional appeal quickly gained traction online.
“I’m not moved by emotions” — Wike replies
Reacting, Wike said governance cannot be driven by sentiment, stressing that not everyone will agree with government decisions.
“I’m human in this government and you don’t expect everybody to be happy,” he said.
He questioned the basis of the claim, asking who owns the lake and why individuals would assume control over public assets.
Concerns over current state of the area
Wike explained that the location had previously been allocated to a company for development but had deteriorated into what he described as shanties.
He said the condition of the area raised security and environmental concerns.
“There is a hotel there… who would come and stay when there are shanties all over? You don’t know if there are criminals,” he added.
Debate over public space and development
The exchange has sparked wider conversations about urban development, public access, and government decision-making in the FCT.
While some support redevelopment efforts, others insist the lake should remain a public recreational space.
“I am not carried away by such emotions… kneeling down to do what?”
-FCT Minister Nyesom Wike reacts at ongoing media parley to pastor kneeling over Jabi Lake appealpic.twitter.com/0XKkTKTIme
— Omotoyosi A.A Ijaya JOURNALIST (@omotoyosiwrites) May 6, 2026