Wike Defends FCT Land Takeover for Judicial Quarters
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed critics who question his administration’s reclamation of land within Abuja.
Wike explained that the plots in question had been allocated 15 years ago to developers such as Julius Berger but remained undeveloped. His administration revoked those allocations and developed the area for judicial officers’ quarters.
Response to Critics
Addressing his detractors, Wike said:
“If you don’t want to be accused, don’t be a politician. The day you become a politician is the day your history is written, even by those who don’t know you. I thank God that today they can see I truly grabbed lands for development.”
He added that he does not lose sleep over criticism, noting that he can endure abuse “from morning till night” and still rest peacefully after a glass of whisky.
Protection of Judges Quarters
Wike said the move was also motivated by security concerns. He warned that undeveloped plots near the judges’ quarters could hide criminals waiting to attack judicial officers.
“I have taken over the whole of that land… I directed that we buy it off and hand it over to the judiciary so we can protect them,” he stated.
The minister promised compensation to affected developers while insisting that the reclamation serves the public interest and the safety of judicial personnel.
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