Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has called on President Bola Tinubu to take urgent action over what he described as “mounting allegations” of land mismanagement, corruption, and abuse of office involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Frank described recent claims reported by Nigerian news website, People’s Gazette, and Senator Ireti Kingibe as troubling, alleging that the FCT Minister has been allocating land in the capital to political allies and family members, to the detriment of ordinary citizens and legitimate investors.
He warned that the silence of President Tinubu and anti-corruption agencies on the matter could be interpreted as tacit approval and urged the immediate suspension of Wike to allow for a credible, independent investigation.
“This level of impunity, if unchecked, will erode investor confidence and damage the credibility of this administration,” Frank said. “There are serious questions around land revocations and reallocations — including reports that an embassy was displaced to favour a political associate.”
Frank, who currently serves as an envoy for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, added that the allegations, if true, point to a systemic disregard for due process within the FCT administration.
He questioned why Wike appears to be treated differently compared to other officials recently investigated or sanctioned, referencing the suspension of former Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Betta Edu.
“The allegations against Edu pale in comparison. Yet, swift action was taken. Why the double standard?” he asked.
Frank also expressed concern over what he described as a lack of institutional response, criticising anti-corruption agencies and the National Assembly for their perceived inaction.
“The EFCC, ICPC, and even the Nigeria Police have yet to initiate any visible investigation. The National Assembly, which exercises oversight over the FCT, has been unusually quiet. It raises questions about complicity or political patronage,” he said.
Drawing parallels with Wike’s tenure as Governor of Rivers State, Frank alleged that the minister has carried over similar patterns of land control to Abuja, using proxies and close family members as beneficiaries.
“It’s inconceivable that individuals with no prior employment history or public service record are suddenly acquiring prime plots of land in the nation’s capital. There must be accountability,” he stated.
He called on President Tinubu to set up an independent panel of inquiry to review all land allocations made since Wike assumed office and ensure that any wrongdoing is addressed through proper legal channels.
“Anything short of decisive action will be viewed by Nigerians as an endorsement of impunity. The image of this government is at stake,” he warned.
While Wike has not publicly responded to the allegations, the FCT administration has previously defended its land policies as part of a broader urban renewal and infrastructure development agenda. However, critics argue that transparency has been lacking in some of the ministry’s decisions.
Frank concluded his statement by urging the President to prioritise institutional integrity over political loyalty.
“Mr. President, Nigerians are watching. The time to act is now,” he said.
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