The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly defended his stewardship in Abuja, rejected allegations surrounding political interference in Rivers State, and dismissed claims of land grabbing and administrative high-handedness during a televised ministerial interview.
Throughout the exchange, the minister pushed back against what he described as sweeping generalisations and politically motivated narratives. At one point, he challenged the use of collective language in public discourse, insisting that opinions attributed broadly to “Nigerians” do not always reflect a national consensus. “No, no. You say some Nigerian but don't say Nigerians,” he said, stressing that dissenting views should not be framed as universal.
Rivers politics and peace claims
On the political climate in Rivers State, Wike questioned suggestions that tensions between him and Governor Siminalayi Fubara could undermine stability. “Well, why should I be why should I be a conflict?” he asked, adding, “Did you find out anything that show that we will not have a lasting peace?”
He denied assertions that he had vowed to block the governor’s second-term ambition. “I didn't say so,” he stated when confronted with the claim. Emphasising compromise as a governing principle, he remarked: “Leadership is being able to swallow certain things leadership is being able to say okay give and take.”
The minister credited President Bola Tinubu’s intervention for easing tensions in the state, clarifying that he never described the situation as only partially resolved. “Mr. President intervention had you the one putting the word relative uh peace. It didn't come from my mouth,” he said.
Addressing speculation about his preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship race in Rivers, Wike refused to be drawn into specifics. “I'm not going to discuss that issue when the time for governorship comes people will sit down and discuss about it,” he said, dismissing claims that he was backing any individual.
Performance in Abuja
Turning to his work in the FCT, Wike argued that measurable improvements across the territory speak for themselves. He maintained that infrastructure delivery, particularly in satellite towns and area councils, has shifted public perception.
“There are things you cannot deny,” he said. “As far Abuja is concerned, you cannot hate Mr. President.”
He cited road construction, water provision in satellite communities, and upgrades to public facilities among projects underway or completed. He indicated that more would be unveiled during the President’s third anniversary in office, suggesting residents would witness the outcomes directly. “By the time president anniversary,” he said, “you don't need to be told.”
Waste management and contract enforcement
Responding to concerns over refuse disposal in parts of the capital, Wike acknowledged that sanitation challenges persist but argued that performance has improved. “Have we improved? Yes or no?” he asked, insisting that progress should be recognised even if shortcomings remain.
He disclosed that he had confronted contractors over lapses and threatened termination where standards fell below expectation. “If I see this refu… I sack you,” he recounted telling one contractor, underscoring his readiness to enforce compliance.
According to him, waste management remains financially demanding, but his administration has introduced tighter oversight. He rejected suggestions that uncollected refuse is widespread, contending that isolated instances should not define the broader picture.
Land administration and development disputes
The minister also dismissed accusations of land grabbing, arguing that reforms inevitably attract resistance. “When there's a norm there's a pattern you come to change. people will fight you. Be prepared,” he said.
On the redevelopment of key sites such as the Abuja Technology Village and other prime locations, Wike explained that dormant allocations had stalled development for years. He said his administration reviewed such cases and imposed performance conditions on developers, including strict timelines. Failure to meet agreed milestones, he added, would result in revocation.
He likened due process in land documentation to broader procurement rules, arguing that regulatory compliance cannot be bypassed simply because of public pressure. “You must follow due process,” he said.
Governance philosophy
Pressed on criticisms that he takes rigid positions, Wike framed decisiveness as necessary for reform. “Part of the problem people have said against me. Oh, I take decisions and I don't go back,” he acknowledged, adding that decisions are made in the broader interest of development.
He rejected claims that he seeks popularity, stating, “I am not looking for friendship and I don't do that.”
The minister also addressed questions about engagement with traditional rulers, clarifying that he convenes meetings rather than conducting courtesy visits. “I hold meetings with traditional rulers. I don't visit traditional rulers,” he said, distinguishing institutional consultations from ceremonial appearances.
Looking ahead
On ongoing projects, including road expansions, tourism-linked developments and institutional upgrades, Wike urged patience, particularly where funding constraints affect timelines. He confirmed that large-scale infrastructure schemes require phased implementation due to financial realities.
While declining to provide exhaustive details on upcoming initiatives, he reiterated that residents would see tangible outcomes soon. “We have del of projects,” he said.
As the interview concluded, Wike maintained that leadership often requires absorbing criticism while pursuing long-term goals. “Leadership this is what it takes,” he said, signalling that his administration would continue to prioritise infrastructure delivery and administrative reform despite political headwinds.