People’s Democratic Party chieftain and publisher of Ovation Magazine Dele Momodu has praised President Bola Tinubu for halting the sealing of houses in Abuja due to unpaid ground rent, describing the move as confirmation that Tinubu has complete control over his administration.
The Federal Capital Territory Authority, under the supervision of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, sealed multiple business locations in Abuja on Monday, May 26, including banks, filling stations, the Federal Inland Revenue Service headquarters, and, most significantly, the PDP’s national secretariat. The case was purportedly initiated in response to unpaid ground leases in the billions of Naira.
However, in response to massive public outcry and condemnation from impacted property owners, Tinubu ordered a temporary stop of the enforcement. He also offered all defaulters a 14-day grace period to settle.
The Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA), under the supervision of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, sealed multiple business locations in Abuja on Monday, May 26, including banks, filling stations, the Federal Inland Revenue Service headquarters, and, most significantly, the PDP’s national secretariat.
The case was purportedly initiated in response to unpaid ground leases in the billions of Naira.
Speaking via Instagram, Momodu praised Tinubu for stepping in and described the decision as a significant check on what he called Wike’s excesses.
‘’Thank you, President Tinubu, Your Excellency, good evening, sir. I have just read the news here in America that you have stepped into the matter of your cantankerous Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, who sealed the National Secretariat of the PDP, the biggest rival of your ruling party, APC, and properties of other defaulters in Abuja earlier today.
“While no one should condone non-compliance with government obligations, the government must always restrain itself from vindictive outbursts such as that of Nigeria’s most querulous politician, who I’m sure is fast becoming a liability to your government. The decision to stop Wike today achieved several points in your favour,” Momodu said.
Momodu described Wike’s approach as vindictive and disruptive, accusing the FCT Minister of wielding power as though he were not answerable to anyone.
Momodu also used the opportunity to call on President Tinubu to rein in Wike’s political activities in Rivers State, where Wike has been locked in a prolonged power struggle with Governor Sim Fubara.
Momodu added, “We used to think we had two presidents in Nigeria, Tinubu and Wike. Now, we know WIKE has a boss who can checkmate his excesses. How I wished you had stopped his reckless disruption and distraction of the SIM Fubara government in Rivers State and saved the hapless people from this unfortunate contraption called emergency rule.
“Nigerians are currently going through so much hardship and pain, and you need to rescue them from Wike additional burden and insults. Wike’s assignments are far smaller than those of Minister Dave Umahi, yet the man is so humble, while Wike subjects Nigerians to his tautological press conferences as if he’s running his own federal government and not under anyone’s control.
“Sir, there can’t be two captains in one ship, and I hope Wike got that message loud and clear from your powerful intervention today.”
