The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has refuted reports that Minister Nyesom Wike allocated 2,082 hectares of land to his son in high-end districts of Maitama and Asokoro.
FCTA recently revealed that the allegation is the handiwork of quack journalists who woke up and decided to spread falsehood.
Speaking via a press statement, Lere Olayinka, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, said that the accusations lack credibility and the people behind them should provide evidence to back their claims.
He stated that no plot of land in Asokoro and Maitama has been given to Wike’s kids as of today, and such a baseless story can only be written by untrained journalists.
“Not even a single plot of land has been allocated to any of the Minister’s children. In Asokoro and Maitama of today, where can the FCT Minister find 2,082 hectares to allocate? Only untrained journalists would peddle such a baseless story,” he wrote.
His response is coming after an online report alleged that Wike facilitated the land grant to his son through a company, JOAQ Farms and Estate Limited.
Confirming the company’s legal registration, Lere clarified that there is nothing wrong with its land allocation in the Bwari Area Council since it was solely for agricultural purposes.
“For the avoidance of doubt, JOAQ Farms received land in Bwari for farming, not in Maitama or Asokoro. What is wrong with a duly registered company obtaining land for agriculture? The publication is false and should be disregarded,” Olayinka wrote.
He further noted that the publication was filled with malice and lies, stressing the need for professional journalism.
Declaring that the Wike family has every right to own land if they follow due process, Lere maintained that no such allocation has taken place.
The special assistant concluded by saying that the false accusation is the latest attempt by Wike’s detractors to tarnish his reputation.
“This is another attempt by bitter elements to defame the Minister. We challenge them to present any document linking the Minister’s children to such allocations,” he added.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration’s response is coming as critics call for increased transparency amid the land dealings in Abuja.
Despite Lere Okayinka dismissing the report as “fabricated,” analysts have suggested that the backlash is proof of an underlying political tension.
Folami David writes on trends and pop culture. He is a creative writer, and he is passionate about music and football.
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