Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has firmly defended the ongoing enforcement actions at Jabi Lake in Abuja, asserting that all government decisions regarding the area are rooted in law and not swayed by emotional appeals. His comments came in response to a viral video showing Rev. Serah Omaku, Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Abuja, pleading during a church service and kneeling on the pulpit to appeal against the planned government action on the site.
Wike Dismisses Emotional Appeal from Clergy
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Wednesday, May 6, Wike stated that he remains unmoved by emotional interventions concerning government property. He emphasized that the land in question belongs to the state. “You talk about the woman kneeling down and begging. I’m not carried away by such emotions. Begging to do what? Who owns Jabi Lake? How does it become your own?” he said. He explained that the site was originally allocated for development but had degenerated into unregulated structures and informal settlements.
Security and Development Concerns Cited
Wike expressed concern that the area had remained undeveloped for years, warning that it had become unsafe and unsuitable for its intended purpose. “One of these days I went there and said, ‘This can’t be; there is a hotel, and who would come to stay in that hotel when there are shanties all over?’ You don’t know if there are criminals,” he stated. The minister highlighted the need to address security risks and ensure proper urban planning.
Revocation and Reallocation Plan Announced
The minister confirmed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had revoked the previous allocation and would reassign the land to investors capable of proper development under strict conditions. “You cannot allocate land and leave it for that long with nothing to show. We revoked it. Now we want to give it to people who are ready to develop it,” Wike said. He added that failure to meet development deadlines would result in repossession by the government. “We will reallocate the land with clear conditions. If there is no development within the specified time, we will take it back,” he said.
‘Even If God Comes Down’ Remark Sparks Reaction
Reacting to the pastor’s appeal, Wike maintained that government policy would not be influenced by public sentiment or religious emotion. “To the woman who was crying, if she likes, let her call God to come down. What is my business? How does Jabi become hers? Is it an individual or government property?” he said. The remark has generated widespread discussion.
Crackdown on Abandoned and Misused Land
Wike further disclosed that several plots around Jabi Lake had remained undeveloped for over a decade and had gradually been converted into informal settlements. He said the administration is intensifying efforts to reclaim such lands to ensure proper urban planning and development. “We are not taking anything from the public. We are reclaiming land from those who failed to do what they were supposed to do or who converted it to unauthorised uses,” he added. The minister reiterated that all land allocations will henceforth carry strict development timelines, warning that the government will not hesitate to repossess idle properties.
