CITIZENS COMPASS—The African Action Congress (AAC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, has expressed dismay at the lavish life style of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’ who acquired a $2m mansion in Florida, United States of America (USA).
Agena Robert Ande, Chairman, AAC FCT Chapter, expressed the party’s dismay in a statement on Thursday.
“The African Action Congress (AAC) FCT chapter is utterly appalled and profoundly disturbed by the revelations of corruption and abuse of office by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The recent exposure of Wike’s clandestine acquisition of a $2 million mansion in Florida, USA, utilizing his wife and children’s names to conceal his ownership, is a stark indication of his brazen disregard for the law, public trust, and the principles of transparency and accountability. Rather than pushing for selfishness, the reviewed document alone is a competent proof to set the FCT Minister Wike aside for thorough investigations if Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was working.
“We have verified information from our people in the FCT that the FCT Minister has secretly assigned Special Assistants in each market and shop within the FCT environment to help him monitor those market users and shop owners that are willing to vote other political parties of their choices against his wishes.
The extent of Wike’s corruption
“Our exhaustive investigations are backing the many allegations and pervasive pattern of corrupt practices by Wike, encompassing:
– Secret Land Allocations*: Wike has been accused of allocating prime Abuja lands to his family members and friends, including his 90-year-old father, Joshua Nlemanya Wike, who received a plot of land in Guzape II worth N400 million. This blatant nepotism and favoritism demonstrate Wike’s utter disregard for the public interest and his propensity for exploiting his office for personal aggrandizement.
“- Threats to Shop Owners and market users in FCT: We have received credible information that Wike being a puppet of the APC is threatening shop owners and market users in FCT with land acquisition if they don’t vote for his preferred candidates in the FCT upcoming elections, a brazen attempt to intimidate citizens, undermine democracy, and subvert the electoral process. This must not be allowed to continue especially now that campaigns have not been formally approved by INEC. Wike can not be above the law to be using his office to carry out unlawful activities with regards to FCT coming elections.
– Illicit Enrichment*: With an official annual salary and allowances of about N7.8 million (supposedly), it’s implausible for Wike to amass over $2 million for the luxury acquisition without dipping into public resources, raising serious concerns about illicit enrichment, cross-border money laundering, and the egregious abuse of office. Remember, Wike has one of the most expensive vehicles he brags about, acquired in his time as the FCT Minister.
Condemnation and demands
We condemn Wike’s actions in the strongest possible terms and demand that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu takes immediate and decisive action to:
– Launch a Thorough Investigation*: Conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation into Wike’s assets and activities as FCT Minister to uncover the full extent of his corruption, illicit enrichment, and abuse of office.
– Sack Wike: Remove Wike from office forthwith to prevent further damage to his administration, the FCT, and the democratic process. Enough of having him undermining the people of FCT and acting with impunity like he is the de facto president.
– Protect FCT Citizens*: Ensure that citizens of the FCT are free to exercise their right to vote without fear, intimidation, or coercion, and that their rights are protected and respected.
A call to action
We urge Nigerians to join us in demanding accountability, transparency, and accountability from our leaders. We can not continue to tolerate public officials who engage in corrupt practices, subvert the democratic process, and undermine the public trust. We demand a government that is transparent, accountable, and serves the interests of the people.”
