Wike Fires at Critics: ‘I Have Plenty of Land to Bury You, After All Our Population is Too Much’

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, ignited a firestorm of controversy on Friday during the commissioning of the Apo-Wassa Road, a key access route under the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) project in Abuja.

In a heated speech, Wike lashed out at critics of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, declaring, “If you want to die because we named the refurbished International Conference Centre after Mr. President, go and die. After all, our population is too much. I have plenty land to bury you.”

The provocative statement came as Wike defended the administration’s decision to rename the remodeled International Conference Centre (ICC) the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, a move that has drawn criticism from some quarters.

We spent billions on renovating the ICC and named it after Mr. President, and so what? We have taste

Wike, unapologetic, emphasized the significant investment made in the renovation, stating, “We spent billions on renovating the ICC and named it after Mr. President, and so what? We have taste.” He further asserted his loyalty to President Tinubu, saying, “You couldn’t defend your boss when you were in office. We’re here now, and I will defend my boss.”

The Apo-Wassa Road commissioning is part of a series of infrastructure projects slated for inauguration in Abuja starting June 10, 2025, to mark President Tinubu’s developmental strides in the FCT.

Wike highlighted the administration’s commitment to completing abandoned projects, noting that the Apo-Wassa Road, originally awarded in 2017 at a cost of $6 billion, had been neglected until the current administration intervened.

“This road was abandoned, but we ensured its completion. This is a testament to the Federal Government’s resolve to finish what it starts,” Wike said.

You couldn’t defend your boss when you were in office. We’re here now, and I will defend my boss

The minister’s remarks were met with mixed reactions. Supporters at the event cheered his bold stance, while critics, including some opposition figures, condemned his comments as insensitive and divisive.

“Telling Nigerians to ‘go and die’ because of a disagreement over naming a building is reckless and unbecoming of a public official,” said a statement from a civil society group, calling for an apology.

If you want to die because we named the refurbished International Conference Centre after Mr. President, go and die. After all, our population is too much. I have plenty land to bury you

Wike’s tenure as FCT Minister has been marked by rapid infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and public facilities, earning him praise from some residents and President Tinubu himself. At the commissioning of the ICC on June 10, Tinubu commended Wike for embodying “the true spirit and character of Nigerians” through his high standards of work.

However, Wike’s aggressive rhetoric and controversial policies, such as land revocations and demolitions, have also drawn significant criticism.

If you cannot commend someone who has done well for the country, then the problem is yours

Addressing detractors, Wike remained defiant, stating, “If you cannot commend someone who has done well for the country, then the problem is yours.”

He vowed to continue delivering projects, with upcoming commissioning ceremonies scheduled for roads in Life Camp and the INEC headquarters, among others.