Senator Kingibe Accuses FCT Minister Wike of Abusing Office in Land Allocations, Slashing Son’s ₦200M Bill to ₦2M

By Emmanuel Kwada

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has leveled serious allegations against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of gross abuse of office and unethical conduct in land administration in Abuja. In an explosive interview on Arise TV, Kingibe claimed Wike unilaterally reduced a ₦200 million land bill for his son, Joaquin Wike, to a mere ₦2 million, describing the act as a blatant violation of ethical standards.

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‎Kingibe alleged that Wike allocated vast tracts of prime Abuja land to his son, bypassing legal procedures and critical fee payments. “I have documents showing Minister Wike allocated lands to his son—huge tracts of land,” she stated.

“They were entitled to land, but the bills of ₦200 million they needed to pay were reduced to ₦2 million within 48 hours after they requested a waiver. This is unfair and unethical.” The senator vowed to escalate the issue, threatening to present evidence to the appropriate authorities, including the National Assembly, which she argued must approve such actions as Wike derives his powers from the President.

‎A report by The Peoples Gazette, cited by SaharaReporters, supports Kingibe’s claims, alleging that since assuming office in August 2023, Wike has allocated over 2,000 hectares of prime real estate—spanning exclusive districts like Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape, Bwari, and Gaduwa—to his son.

I have documents showing Minister Wike allocated lands to his son—huge tracts of land

The report estimates the market value of these allocations at approximately $3.6 billion, covering roughly 40,000 plots. It further claims Wike bypassed regulations and civil service ethics, contravening the Nigerian Constitution.

‎Kingibe did not limit her criticism to land allocations. She accused Wike of running the FCT with an autocratic disregard for the rule of law. “The minister doesn’t obey the rule of law. He’s autocratic and doesn’t follow any rules,” she said.

“When you point out that governance is based on laws, he refuses to accept it.” She further criticized Wike for reinstating agencies without legal backing from the National Assembly, undermining legislative oversight.

‎The senator also highlighted Wike’s revocation of 7,000 hectares from the University of Abuja’s original 11,000-hectare allocation, leaving the institution with just 4,000 hectares. “Taking land from institutions to give to individuals violates the Land Use Act,” Kingibe asserted.

Every minister found these women cleaning the streets. Wike fired them all and didn’t replace them, so Abuja is looking dirty

‎Kingibe accused Wike of exacerbating Abuja’s decline by sacking indigent women employed as street sweepers without replacing them with mechanical alternatives, leaving the city noticeably dirtier.

“Every minister found these women cleaning the streets. Wike fired them all and didn’t replace them, so Abuja is looking dirty,” she said. She also criticized Wike for harassing FCT residents and foreign embassies over ground rent disputes, further straining relations with stakeholders.

‎The allegations have sparked heated reactions on X, with some users condemning Wike’s alleged favoritism. One post read, “Wike’s actions show how power corrupts—allocating billions in land to his son while Abuja crumbles.”

Others defended Wike, arguing that land allocations are within his ministerial discretion, with a user stating, “Every minister prioritizes allies; Kingibe is just playing politics.” The controversy has reignited debates about accountability in Nigeria’s governance, particularly in the FCT, where land allocation is a sensitive issue due to its high economic value.