Timi Frank, a former deputy spokesman for the All Progressives Congress (APC), has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s silence regarding allegations of land grabbing and corruption against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Frank’s reaction came on the back of alleged large-scale illegal land allocations in the FCT reportedly benefiting Wike’s family members, political allies, and associates.
The former APC chieftain referred to a recent publication and allegations by Senator Ireti Kingibe, accusing Wike of aiding mass illegal acquisition of land in the nation’s capital.
“Wike’s alleged illegal allocation of lands to his family members, cronies, and political associates at the expense of genuine applicants is a national scandal that demands urgent intervention,” said Frank, who described the FCT Minister’s alleged actions as a clear case of impunity.
Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, warned that such acts could scare away both local and international investors.
He recalled that President Buhari was swift to suspend former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Betta Edu, over allegations of corruption and wondered why similar decisiveness has not been applied to Wike’s case. Edu was eventually sacked from the position.
“Mr President, let me remind you that former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Betta Edu’s case was not as grievous compared to what Wike has done yet you suspended her and sacked her,” he said.
“So why is Wike’s case different despite the public expose’? This clearly shows that you are either a beneficiary of Wike’s land grabbing spree or an accomplice by your refusal to act in the face of public outcry against the heist.”
Frank further warned that Tinubu’s silence could have far-reaching implications for his administration’s credibility.
“The continued silence of President Tinubu in the face of these weighty allegations is both troubling and unacceptable. If these actions by the FCT Minister go unchecked, they will tarnish the President’s image and administration,” he stated.
The politician wondered if Tinubu’s silence was for political convenience ahead of the 2027 elections: “What does this silence say about your government, Mr. President? Are you, by omission or commission, endorsing these corrupt practices to build patronage and raise funds for the 2027 elections?”
Frank also berated the anti-corruption agencies and the National Assembly for their failure to probe the allegations.
“Are these institutions now complicit in Wike’s alleged corrupt practices?” he asked.
“It is shocking that the National Assembly, which has oversight functions over the FCT, has remained quiet despite these allegations. Could it be that they, too, have benefitted from Wike’s land distribution scheme?”
He alleged that the allegations are consistent with Wike’s past behaviour.
“His record in Rivers State speaks volumes, where he is rumoured to be one of the highest private landowners. Now, he is replicating the same pattern in the FCT, using proxies such as his father, children, siblings, and close friends,” Frank said.
“How did his 95-year-old father or children, who have never worked, suddenly acquire prime lands in Abuja? This reeks of conflict of interest and corruption of the highest order.”
Frank further urged Tinubu to suspend Wike and set up an independent panel to investigate all land allocations made since he assumed office.
“Mr. President, the Nigerian people are watching. If you fail to act, history will remember that by 2027, you left the indigenous people of Abuja as internally displaced persons in their own city,” he warned.
“You promised Nigerians a government of integrity. Where is the investigation panel you once vowed to set up? Has it all been lip service?”
He insisted that anything short of Wike’s resignation or suspension would imply complicity on the part of the President and his administration.
“Suspend Wike immediately and set up an independent panel of inquiry into all FCT land allocations since he assumed office. Ensure accountability for all public officers involved in this alleged land-grabbing scandal and restore confidence in the rule of law and the sanctity of the FCT’s land administration process,” he said.
“Enough is enough! Wike hides under the guise of flashy projects while engaging in unprecedented corruption. Past FCT Ministers developed new districts such as Wuye, Jabi, and Jahi without looting or noise. Why must we tolerate such impunity now?.
“Mr. President, relieve Wike of his duties and let him answer for his sins. Your inaction will only confirm that impunity and corruption are the hallmarks of your administration.”
