Wike vs. The Rich: “I Take Joy in Stepping on Big Toes”
Byline: IDNN Politics
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike says the war on elite impunity has begun. Speaking during a fiery June media parley at his Life Camp residence in Abuja, Wike declared that “something will happen” to those who think they are above the law when it comes to unpaid ground rent in the Federal Capital Territory.
The former Rivers Governor, now known as Abuja’s political bulldozer, said the FCT is now “working” precisely because his administration dares to do what past leaders avoided: hold the elite accountable.
“I take joy when I step on the toes of big men,” Wike said. “Those who believe nothing will happen will soon find out that something will.”
Over 4,700 Properties Revoked, Elite Pushback Grows
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had revoked 4,794 properties for non-payment of ground rent spanning up to four decades — including the PDP National Secretariat, the FIRS headquarters, and other government or high-profile private buildings.
Though President Tinubu ordered a temporary suspension of enforcement, Wike insists the decision to revoke was legitimate and overdue.
“The terms of the title say you must pay ground rent. If you don’t, it’s simple — you lose the right,” he declared.
“Don’t Expect Me to Target the Poor and Spare the Rich”
Wike rejected allegations of selective enforcement or political bias, noting that his only accountability lies with the President and the people.
“You want me to only go after poor squatters while the rich men continue to violate the law? Not under my watch,” he thundered.
The minister also revealed that 85% of the FCTA’s 2025 capital budget has been dedicated to completing infrastructure projects — funding which depends heavily on revenue collection, including rent arrears.
PDP Criticisms, George, and Ground Rent Debates
Responding to PDP stalwart Bode George who criticized the sealing of the party secretariat, Wike said the building isn’t even registered in PDP’s name. “They can’t pay what they don’t legally own,” he fired back.
Wike reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP but dared anyone to question his credentials.
“I built the PDP into a political force. Nobody can remove me from it,” he insisted.