Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has once again denied allegations of allocating land to his children in Abuja. This comes after a report surfaced claiming he had allocated 2,082 hectares of prime land worth $3.6 billion to his son, Joaquin Wike.
The Controversy
The report, published by Peoples Gazette, alleged that Wike had used his position to bypass regulations and sign off on sprawling hectares of Abuja’s most valuable lands to his son. However, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, has rubbished the claims, calling them “malicious falsehoods” aimed at discrediting the minister.
Wike’s Response
Olayinka emphasized that Wike’s children have the constitutional right to own property anywhere in Nigeria, including the FCT, provided they meet the necessary conditions. However, he stressed that no land has been allocated to any of the minister’s children. He also questioned the feasibility of allocating 2,082 hectares of land in upscale districts like Maitama and Asokoro, suggesting that the report was part of a sustained campaign to tarnish Wike’s reputation.
The Land Allocation Saga
According to the Peoples Gazette report, documents showed that Wike allocated lands to Joaq Farms and Estates Ltd, a company registered in October 2024, just days before it began receiving land allocations. The company’s registered address is linked to Wike’s business fronts. Wike’s aide, however, argued that the allocation was for agricultural purposes in Bwari, not in Maitama or Asokoro.
What’s Next?
The controversy has sparked heated debates on social media, with many calling for transparency and accountability in land allocation in Abuja. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Wike’s denial will be received by the public and whether the allegations will have any impact on his tenure as FCT Minister.
