***Insists Abuja transformation speaks louder than accusations
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued one of his strongest public rebuttals yet to critics, daring anyone to provide proof of alleged land grabbing and insisting that visible transformation in Abuja speaks louder than political hostility.
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja, the Minister adopted a combative but confident tone, declaring that he is focused on results — not popularity.
“I’m not looking for friendship. I don’t do that. I do my job.”
“Whether you like me or hate me, you cannot be blind to what is going on in Abuja.”
“No matter how you abuse me, you cannot take away what is visible.”
At the heart of the briefing were allegations that the FCT Administration under his watch has engaged in land grabbing — claims Wike flatly rejected.
“If you find that I grabbed land illegally, I will resign as Minister.”
“Everything people come out to claim, they cannot substantiate.”
“What is all this issue of land grabbing? Do you grab what you control?”
He argued that what critics describe as land seizures is in fact enforcement of development timelines.
“Some people held land for 15 to 20 years and did nothing. We said, develop it within six months or we take it back.”
The Minister maintained that repossessing undeveloped plots is a lawful administrative action aimed at accelerating development in the capital city.
On sanitation and refuse management — a recurring concern in parts of the capital — Wike acknowledged challenges but insisted progress has been made.
“Have we improved? Yes or no?”
“We cannot say we have done 100 percent, but we are doing our best.”
“Waste management is one of the most difficult things in government. It takes money.”
In a stern warning to officials, he added:
“If I see refuse in certain areas again, you are bound to lose your job.”
Addressing public curiosity surrounding activities around Jabi Lake, Wike dismissed insinuations of irregular land acquisition, promising that the outcome would justify current decisions.
“Why don’t you like to be surprised?”
“People took that land around Jabi for years and nothing happened. Now they say we are grabbing land.”
“It will be something you will be very happy about when it is done.”
“That is what leadership is about. Everything must not be easy.”
While he did not disclose specific project details, the remarks suggest significant development plans are underway in the area.
The Minister also brushed aside political criticism, questioning why he remains a target of partisan attacks.
“Am I on the ballot?”
“So many people wanted me to fail. I know.”
“I don’t worship anybody. My job is to work. If my appointment makes you happy, fine. If it makes you unhappy, that’s your business.”
Reiterating his leadership philosophy, he stated:
“Leadership is not about pleasing everybody.”
“I take decisions, and I don’t go back. It may hurt you, but it’s for the growth of the place.”
“People think when they blackmail you, you should succumb. I will not succumb.”
“We Have a Deluge of Projects”
On infrastructure, Wike admitted that Abuja’s needs are vast but insisted his administration is tackling them systematically.
“We have a deluge of projects.”
“No government can solve all the problems at once.”
“Water in satellite towns is key. Very, very key.”
“I don’t want to make promises I cannot fulfill.”
From land policy enforcement to sanitation reform and upcoming city projects, Wike’s media chat underscored a central message: he intends to govern with firmness, regardless of public sentiment.
“When a lizard falls from a tree, it looks around and nods to itself. I know what I’m doing.”
With that, the Minister signaled that controversy may continue — but so, he insists, will visible change in Nigeria’s capital.
