Ground rent: I enjoy stepping on toes of big men – Wike boasts

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has said that some leaders who served Nigeria’s capital city did not showcase the courage needed to get the system working for the good of the people.

Speaking at a monthly media chat, the Minister said he enjoys stepping on the toes of big men to ensure that things are done right.

According to Wike, contrary to claims that the big shots within the system would fight him for either sealing or revoking their property, nothing would happen.

He also said that since assuming office as the FCT Minister, his administration has focused on doing things differently.

He said, “Look at what we are doing differently. I have found out that most of them didn’t have the courage to annoy people, to step on toes – I take joy when stepping on the toes of big men, those who say nothing will happen. I take joy in saying something will happen.

“It makes me happy. You want me to take decisions against the poor people while you, the rich man, think nothing will happen – something will happen. And that’s why we are getting results,” Wike said.

According to the Minister, most of the people who owe ground rent and have refused to pay their taxes to the government are not among the poor population.

He stated some of the rich people have developed the habit of not paying taxes or doing the right because they know how to get away with such.

He warned that his administration would not tolerate non-payment of taxes or ground rents as those are FCT’s only source of revenue.