FCT: Wike Responds to Critics, Denies Being a Land Grabber

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that he is not a land grabber.

Wike said that, contrary to criticism on social media, he is simply carrying out his official duties and not appropriating land.

The comments were made during the inauguration of the Federal High Court Judges Quarters in the Katampe area of Abuja, an event that was part of projects marking President Bola Tinubu’s third year in office.

President Tinubu was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the ceremony.

Wike explained, “When we came here to find land for the judges’ quarters, there was no road. However, last year the President commissioned all the roads within Katampe.”

He added, “This land belongs to Julius Berger PLC. When I reviewed the records, I saw that the property was allocated to the company 15 years ago and no development had taken place. We decided to build the judges’ quarters, so we reclaimed the land. Social media users have called me a land grabber, but I did not respond because I was certain of my actions.”

He continued, “A politician who is not called a name is not a politician. The issue of land grabbing is what we face today, so people should know that I did not seize any land; I am simply doing the work I am supposed to do.”

“We have acquired every property in the surrounding area, and it will be designated as a Judges Zone. We do not want anyone else to occupy the vicinity. Those who have built two or three‑story structures, I asked them to demolish them and compensate the owners,” Wike said.