Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to immediately cease ongoing demolitions in Abuja, which he claims target the homes of vulnerable residents.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, Frank expressed deep concern over what he described as an aggressive campaign of property demolitions and alleged land grabbing by Wike. According to Frank, these actions have left many residents homeless and have tarnished the image of President Tinubu’s administration.
Frank accused Wike of leveraging the demolition drive to benefit himself and associates, claiming that the minister has been reallocating revoked land plots for personal and political gains.
“The minister has continued to damage Mr. President’s reputation with these ill-timed demolitions. It is alleged that this has become a means for personal settlement for the minister,” he stated.
Frank further warned that Wike’s approach is eroding public trust and fueling discontent. “One of the reasons Mr. President is referred to as ‘T-Pain’ by some is due to Minister Wike’s insensitivity and actions that intimidate and harass FCT residents,” he added.
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The former APC official noted that Wike’s record of revoking land surpassed that of any previous FCT minister and that these actions have primarily benefited the minister’s allies.
“He revokes land and asks victims to seek legal redress, while reportedly rewarding the judiciary with land and properties,” Frank claimed, suggesting a compromised judicial response.
Frank, who also serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, went on to allege that proceeds from these transactions were being used to fuel political conflicts, particularly against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Highlighting the implications of the current situation, Frank stated, “What he [Wike] is doing in the FCT presently is exactly what he did in Rivers State. However, the FCT is not Rivers State, and my advice to Mr. President is to take immediate action.”
Frank urged President Tinubu to consider removing Wike from his position to prevent further damage to the administration’s reputation and to safeguard the rights and welfare of the FCT’s residents.
“Failing to act could lead to lasting harm for the government and deepen public mistrust,” he concluded, reiterating the importance of addressing the issue promptly to protect vulnerable citizens from displacement and ensure due process in land management.