The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the ongoing crackdown on developments around Jabi Lake in Abuja, insisting that the intervention will proceed regardless of public appeals.
Wike made the remarks during a media chat in Abuja on Wednesday while responding to an emotional appeal by Serah Omaku, Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Abuja.
According to Daily Trust, the pastor had earlier knelt during a church service, pleading with the minister not to repossess the land. A video of the appeal subsequently went viral on social media.
However, Wike dismissed the plea, stressing that the enforcement action at Jabi Lake is guided strictly by law and not sentiment.
“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?” he said.
The minister explained that the land was originally allocated to a company for the development of a recreational facility but had instead been turned into makeshift structures.
“That place was given to a company that said they wanted to turn it into an entertainment hub, but it has been converted into shanties. You don’t even know if criminals are operating there,” he added.
Wike disclosed that the allocation has been revoked and that the land will be reassigned to investors capable of developing it according to approved plans.
“We have revoked it. We will reallocate the land with clear conditions. If there is no development within the specified time, we will take it back,” he stated.
Reacting further to the pastor’s plea, the minister maintained that emotional appeals would not influence government decisions.
“To the woman who was crying, if she likes, let her call God to come down. What is my business? We are acting in the interest of the public,” he said.
He noted that several plots around the lake, initially designated for high-end developments, had remained undeveloped for years and had deteriorated into informal settlements.
Wike confirmed that the FCT Administration has begun revoking such allocations as part of efforts to curb land speculation and enforce proper land use in the capital.
He also dismissed claims that the exercise is aimed at restricting public access to Jabi Lake, clarifying that the focus is on reclaiming misused or abandoned land.
“We are not taking anything from the public. We are reclaiming land from those who failed to develop it or converted it to unauthorised uses,” he said.
The minister reiterated that all land allocations going forward will come with strict development timelines, warning that failure to comply would result in revocation.
