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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has debunked claims that the presidency has barred him from holding media chats, describing the reports as “false, unfounded, and politically motivated.”
Wike made the clarification during his monthly media parley in Abuja, held after the completion of a 20-day series of project flag-offs and commissioning ceremonies across the territory.
According to a statement issued by Rabi Musa Umar, Assistant Director of Press in the Office of the Minister, the FCT Minister said the allegation was a fabrication by individuals with ulterior motives.
“Somebody said that the President has banned me from having a media chat. That is the same junk that they carry. Who is responsible for this? The same man who has been collecting money from people, and then Nigerians are listening to him. How will the President ban me from letting people know what the government is doing in the FCT?” Wike said.
He emphasized that he was not speaking on behalf of the Federal Government but rather providing updates on the policies and programmes of the FCT Administration.
“I’m not speaking for the Federal Government. I’m letting the world know what we are doing in the FCT under Tinubu’s administration,” he stated.
Wike reaffirmed his commitment to keeping residents informed about ongoing and future projects, revealing that the next phase of project flag-offs would focus on the education sector.
The Minister also addressed a range of issues affecting the capital city, including open grazing, transportation, land administration, and security.
On open grazing, Wike said the matter was being treated as a national security issue, noting that the FCTA was in talks with the Ministry of Livestock and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association to establish ranches to resolve the problem.
Regarding transportation, the Minister disclosed that the FCT Executive Council had approved contracts for the management of the Mabushi and Kugbo bus terminals to ease public commuting challenges.
He also defended the FCTA’s decision to revoke undeveloped plots within River Parks Estate, insisting that the move was in line with due process.
“The government is not interested in taking people’s land. But beneficiaries of land allocations must develop them within the stipulated period or risk revocation,” he explained.
On security, Wike reassured residents that the FCT remains safe, stressing that isolated incidents should not be seen as a reflection of the general security situation.
Commenting on national politics, the Minister said the defection of some PDP governors to the APC was a sign of internal crisis within the opposition party. He urged the PDP leadership to resolve internal disputes, especially the issue surrounding the position of the National Secretary.
Wike reiterated his loyalty to the PDP but ruled out participation in what he described as an “illegal convention,” stressing that he had no plans to join the APC.
The Minister also reacted to reports that IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, listed him as a witness in his ongoing trial. Wike said he was unaware of the reason but would appear in court if officially summoned.
Additionally, he dismissed claims that he influenced the appointment of the new INEC Chairman, describing such reports as “totally rubbish.”
He urged Nigerians to disregard politically motivated propaganda and assured that the FCT Administration would remain focused on delivering development projects and ensuring transparency.
Wike dismisses reports of media chat ban, vows to keep FCT residents informed
