Timi Frank: Wike’s Land Revocations a Smokescreen for Political Witch-Hunt

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of using recent Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) revocations in Abuja as a cover for a political witch-hunt targeting opposition figures.

Frank, in a statement issued in Abuja, described the alleged revocations involving prominent figures such as former President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President George Akume, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, as a scripted distraction aimed at concealing Wike’s true intentions to intimidate opposition members and critics.
Frank alleged that Wike’s actions are part of a broader plan to harass and silence opposition politicians and those who might challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
“We have credible intelligence that Wike’s so-called revocation list is a smokescreen to mask his grand strategy of intimidating and persecuting opposition members,” Frank said.
He pointed out that Buhari has denied owning the property linked to his name, while Abbas clarified that he has no outstanding debts with the FCTA.
“Wike knows he cannot target key government officials in Tinubu’s administration, so he is using their names as a shield to cover up his actual agenda land grabs and demolition of properties belonging to innocent Nigerians,” he added.

Frank referenced allegations by Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor that Wike had approved the transfer of land ownership to Saravera Nigeria Limited, a company allegedly controlled by House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, a close associate of Wike.

He challenged Wike to prove ownership claims against the listed officials and accused him of favoritism and corruption.
Frank warned opposition politicians and critics to prepare for further harassment and persecution, particularly those who opposed Wike during his tenure as Rivers State Governor or supported Governor Fubara in the ongoing Rivers State power tussle.
“What Wike is doing in Abuja mirrors his vindictive actions in Rivers State, where he revoked C of O and demolished properties belonging to his political opponents,” Frank stated.
He accused Wike of planning a second wave of targeted land seizures aimed at punishing perceived enemies and opposition figures.
Frank warned President Bola Tinubu to rein in Wike, alleging that the minister’s unchecked actions could damage the administration’s reputation and lead to betrayal.
“Wike’s history of betrayal is well-known—he flattered ex-President Jonathan only to turn against him. If Tinubu is not careful, he may be Wike’s next victim,” Frank cautioned.
Frank further accused Wike of abusing his office to settle political scores and compensate allies, describing him as desperate following the loss of political influence in Rivers State.

Frank urged Nigerians and the international community to remain vigilant and resist Wike’s abuse of power, which he described as anti-democratic, oppressive, and egregious.