Former Southeast Spokesperson to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Josef Onoh, has dismissed land allocations and favouritism allegations against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
He described the accusations as politically driven and targeted at undermining the minister’s developmental efforts in the FCT.
Speaking via a statement, he argued that every citizen has the right to a fair hearing and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
He cited the Land Use Act of 1978, which gives the FCT Minister delegated authority from the President to administer land within the capital territory.
“Minister Wike’s decisions have been made in accordance with the Abuja Master Plan and urban development goals,” Onoh stated.
He asserted that his knowledge of land governance reinforced his view that large-scale land allocations were aimed at infrastructure development and affordable housing projects, not for private enrichment.
Responding to rumours linking land allocations to Wike’s relatives, Onoh noted that the Minister had denied such claims, including those involving his sons.
“There is no verified evidence showing land was allocated to any of his family members,” he said, adding that citizens, including the children of public officials, are entitled to apply for land under Nigerian law.
He emphasised that public officeholders are governed by the Code of Conduct for Public Officers under the Constitution, which prohibits conflicts of interest.
“So far, no evidence has been presented showing that Minister Wike personally benefited from land allocations,” he noted.
Onoh also addressed claims that companies allegedly linked to the minister’s family had received land allocations. He said these remained unproven and had been denied by the Minister.
He criticised attempts to link President Tinubu to the matter, describing them as misleading.
“The President has shown commitment to transparency by reportedly ordering a probe into the allegations. Relevant institutions such as the EFCC and ICPC operate independently and will take necessary action if credible evidence is provided,” he said.
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