A former spokesperson for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Southeast, Dr. Josef Onoh, has described recent calls for the removal of Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, as politically motivated and lacking in substance.
Onoh, in a statement, said the allegations, especially those concerning illegal land allocations, were not backed by verifiable evidence and appeared aimed at discrediting the minister’s efforts to transform the FCT.
He maintained that Wike’s actions in office were guided by the law and aligned with the development objectives of the FCT.
Citing constitutional provisions and existing land administration laws, Onoh argued that Wike’s decisions on land allocation and revocation were lawful.
According to him, the Land Use Act of 1978, vests land administration authority in the FCT Minister, adding that Section 302 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), empowers the Minister to exercise delegated authority from the President.
Responding to claims that the Minister had allocated land to family members and associates, Onoh noted that no official documents or credible evidence have been presented to support such claims.
Read Also: Wike inaugurates 100 buses to revive Edo Line Transport Company
He pointed to Section 36(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing and the presumption of innocence.
Onoh noted that the FCT administration under Wike has repeatedly clarified that land allocations were carried out within the Abuja Master Plan, adding that Wike had denied allocating land to his children and asked those in doubt to scrutinise records of land allocations.
On allegations involving companies reportedly linked to Wike’s family members, Onoh said these remained unproven. He also noted that even if the individuals in question had applied for land, they are entitled to be treated equally under Section 42 of the Constitution, which prohibits discrimination.
Addressing the revocation of certain land titles, including that of an embassy, Onoh said such actions were within the Minister’s powers under the Land Use Act, provided they followed due process. He emphasized that revocations tied to violations of the Abuja Master Plan or undocumented land holdings were consistent with the minister’s mandate.
He acknowledged the ongoing investigation reportedly ordered by President Tinubu into similar allegations, describing it as a sign of the administration’s commitment to accountability.
On the role of the National Assembly, Onoh said oversight was vital but must be evidence-based. According to him, the absence of formal petitions or concrete proof may explain why the legislature has not taken a definitive stance on the matter.
He highlighted several infrastructure projects under Wike’s leadership, including road construction, solar-powered streetlights, and urban renewal initiatives, as tangible signs of progress in the FCT.
Onoh cautioned critics against making unverified public allegations, warning that such actions might run afoul of defamation laws under the Penal Code Act.
Concluding, Onoh reiterated that Wike’s administration in the FCT was operating within the bounds of the law, urging anyone with evidence of wrongdoing to present it to the appropriate authorities rather than resorting to public speculation.
