Comrade Timi Frank, a former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), over alleged land racketeering and abuse of office.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, Frank said recent revelations by People’s Gazette and Senator Ireti Kingibe have exposed what he described as “atrocities and impunity” being allegedly perpetrated under Wike’s watch.
He stated that Wike has reportedly allocated lands to his family members, cronies, and political associates, while genuine applicants are denied access.
His words: “This is a national scandal that demands urgent intervention,.
“It is alleged that Wike dishes out land on a daily basis to friends, family, and associates, while ordinary citizens and investors with genuine needs for both personal and commercial purposes are sidelined.”
Frank said a particular case involves the revocation of a parcel of land previously allocated to an embassy, which was later reassigned to one of Wike’s associates.
“This blatant disregard for the rule of law will discourage local and foreign investors, leading to economic setbacks for the FCT and Nigeria as a whole,” he added.
Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, criticised the silence of President Tinubu and anti-corruption agencies on the matter.
He warned that Tinubu’s continued silence in the face of what he described as “weighty allegations” could damage the president’s reputation.
Frank also condemned the inaction of security and anti-graft agencies, including the EFCC, ICPC, and the Nigeria Police Force.
“Are these institutions now complicit in Wike’s alleged corrupt practices?” he asked.
He expressed shock at the National Assembly’s silence on the matter, despite its oversight responsibility over the FCT.
“It is shocking that the National Assembly has remained quiet despite these allegations. Could it be that they, too, have benefitted from Wike’s land distribution scheme?” he said.
Frank claimed Wike’s alleged pattern of land grabbing began during his time as governor of Rivers State.
“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,” he said.
He questioned how Wike’s 95-year-old father or children “who have never worked” came to own prime plots of land in Abuja.
“This reeks of conflict of interest and corruption of the highest order,” he lamented.
Frank called on the president to act decisively to salvage the image of his administration.
He demanded the immediate resignation or suspension of Wike to allow for an independent probe into all FCT land allocations since his appointment.
He stated: “Anything short of this will imply that you and your family are direct beneficiaries of this corruption.
“Suspend Wike immediately and set up an independent panel of inquiry into all FCT land allocations since he assumed office.”
He urged Tinubu to ensure accountability and uphold the sanctity of land administration in the FCT.
“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,” Frank warned.
