Timi Frank, former National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his silence regarding what he described as illegal and oppressive demolitions of properties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the watch of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Frank urged Tinubu to intervene and halt the demolitions, warning that failure to address the issue could have dire political consequences for the President during the 2027 general election.
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“Mr. President, so much has been happening in the FCT since Wike took over as Minister. In his bid to act sycophantically and prove he is a performing minister, he is causing immense pain to Nigerians in the FCT,” Frank said. He further alleged that Wike’s actions amount to terrorism against residents.
Frank lamented the loss and suffering experienced by owners of demolished properties and expressed dismay at Tinubu’s continued silence. “As the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is his duty to protect the rights and welfare of all citizens. His silence on this issue signals an endorsement of illegality and disregard for the plight of ordinary Nigerians,” he stated.
The former APC spokesman also criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his comments during a Senate motion on Thursday, which sought to halt the demolitions. Akpabio had reportedly claimed that the demolitions could not be stopped as they were court-ordered. Frank described the Senate resolution urging Wike to suspend the demolitions as “dead on arrival” and insisted that Tinubu must act to prevent further suffering and alleged abuses.
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He accused Wike of pursuing a vindictive agenda, using the demolition exercise to settle political scores following his loss of control in Rivers State politics. Frank also alleged that the demolitions were being carried out with the President’s tacit approval, citing Tinubu’s silence as evidence of complicity.
“From all indications, it appears that Wike is acting with the President’s blessing. This explains the administration’s failure to condemn or halt these tyrannical actions,” Frank claimed.
The activist further accused Wike of re-allocating the lands seized during the demolitions to his associates, family members, and political cronies under the guise of restoring the FCT masterplan. He warned that these actions would deter foreign investors and deepen mistrust in Nigeria’s judicial system.
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“How will investors come to Nigeria when they know they cannot get justice in the event of breaches?” he asked.
Frank called on Tinubu to urgently intervene and ensure adequate compensation for affected property owners. He also urged Nigerians to unite in condemning what he described as Wike’s high-handedness and Tinubu’s inaction.
“It is most unfortunate that Wike is treating the FCT like his personal estate while the President looks the other way. Nigerians must demand justice and protection of their rights,” Frank declared.
Frank’s comments reflect growing discontent over the demolitions, which have sparked widespread criticism and allegations of abuse of power by the FCT Minister. Many Nigerians are now looking to President Tinubu for decisive action to address the crisis.
