By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports that the Presidency banned him from holding media chats, describing the claim as false and politically motivated.
Speaking during his monthly media parley in Abuja, Wike said the reports were engineered by those seeking attention and financial gain. He stressed that his media briefings are meant to inform residents about government projects and progress in the FCT.
“How will the President ban me from letting people know what the government is doing in the FCT? I am not speaking for the Federal Government but updating the public on our activities under President Tinubu’s administration,” he said.
The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, saying the next phase of project commissioning will focus on the education sector. He also addressed issues of open grazing, transport infrastructure, land administration, and security, assuring residents that discussions were ongoing with the Ministry of Livestock, security agencies, and Miyetti Allah to establish ranches.
Wike dismissed allegations that the FCTA was seizing estate lands, explaining that only undeveloped plots within the stipulated period were being revoked. He said the Administration had awarded contracts for the management of the Mabushi and Kugbo bus terminals to improve transportation efficiency.
On political issues, the Minister said the defection of some PDP governors to the APC showed that all is not well with his party, even as he reaffirmed his membership of the PDP. He dismissed as false reports linking him to the IPOB leader’s trial and claims of influencing INEC appointments, describing them as totally rubbish.
