FCT: I’m called land grabber because I’m a politician – Wike
Wike Addresses Land Grabbing Allegations in Abuja
ABUJA — Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, declared on Tuesday that accusations of land grabbing against him are rooted in political bias.
During the commissioning of the Judges Quarters for the Court of Appeal and the groundbreaking ceremony for the Quarters of Industrial Court and Code of Conduct Tribunal judges, Wike emphasized his commitment to urban development.
He noted that some of the land designated for these constructions had been allocated 15 years ago but remained undeveloped. Under Wike’s leadership, the land was revoked and repurposed for the Judges Quarters.
“This land was allocated to Julius Berger 15 years ago and I revoked it,” he stated. He acknowledged that entering politics subjects individuals to scrutiny and criticism, but stressed the importance of focusing on their duties. “I have this cue: if you like, abuse me from morning till night, but I just come back and enjoy a good whisky and go to sleep,” he said, adding that he remains unfazed by critics.
Wike expressed concerns about the safety of judges, citing recent private developments near the new quarters. “I asked, ‘who are the people developing here?’ and I was told they are private developers,” he said. “So because you have seen roads, here is where judges will live and I have declared here as judges’ quarters.”
He confirmed that the surrounding properties had been retrieved from earlier developers to ensure the security of judicial officers. “I promised to pay compensation,” he said. “It’s important to protect them, as some could pose potential threats.”
Wike reaffirmed his intention to acquire additional land to further secure the area for judicial purposes.
