Tinubu urged to stop Wike’s demolition of homes in FCT

In a strongly-worded appeal, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing demolitions in Abuja, which he claims are disproportionately affecting poor and vulnerable residents. Frank’s statement, issued from Abuja on Tuesday, accused Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of overstepping his authority and “causing unnecessary hardship” for residents.

Frank claims that Wike’s actions, which he describes as ill-timed and unjust, have tarnished Tinubu’s administration. He argued that the minister’s rapid land revocations, have left many residents homeless, giving a damaging impression of the government.

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According to Frank, Wike’s demolitions serve as a “new means of settlement,” where land is allegedly taken from vulnerable residents and redistributed within Wike’s network.

He added, “Mr President, one of the reasons you are called ‘T-Pain’ is due to Minister Wike’s alleged insensitivity and harassment of FCT residents, leaving some homeless due to his purported greed. It’s alleged that the revoked land is quickly reallocated to his associates within and outside government, while those affected are told to pursue lengthy court cases.”

Frank also suggested that Wike’s actions have extended to judiciary members, alleging land allocations to ensure decisions favouring his agenda.

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As United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, Frank has urged Tinubu to take swift action to protect the reputation of the presidency.

He warned that if Tinubu doesn’t intervene, the President’s legacy could be overshadowed by Wike’s approach.

“The FCT is not Rivers State,” Frank stressed. “If you don’t take immediate action against Wike, it’s the administration’s image that will ultimately suffer.”

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Frank also alleged that Wike is focusing on land sales in the FCT rather than much-needed improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and renewable energy. He has vowed to expose Wike’s alleged allies “at the right time” should these practices continue.

In a direct plea to Tinubu, Frank urged the President to stand up for the residents of the FCT and remove Wike from office. He concluded, “Don’t listen to his tomfoolery. Sack him, and you’ll see how truly irrelevant he is.”