Wike promises FCT indigenous population Cs of O

2026-03-04 - 18:27

...urges vigilance against ’emergency activists’ By Omeiza Ajayi ABUJA: Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, has pledged to address the long-standing land ownership grievances of the FCT indigenous population by ensuring they receive Certificates of Occupancy Cs of O for their ancestral lands. Speaking on Wednesday at the Apo town hall during a “thank you” visit to the Abuja Municipal Area Council AMAC, Wike emphasized that the President Bola Tinubu administration is committed to practical actions rather than the vague promises of opposition figures. Acknowledging the pain of the original inhabitants regarding land displacement and lack of formal title, the minister assured the community that his office is already working on a solution. “I know how land is. I will make sure I do everything possible for you to be having Cs of O too. I know how painful it is because I am also from somewhere. We are not saying ‘when we come, we will do this.’ We are here now and ready to do this”, he declared. He noted that the current administration’s approach is to recognize the people wherever they are. “We must change the pattern of politics in Abuja. We must recognize that anywhere you go to, there are people there... we must give that recognition.” The minister urged FCT residents to be wary of political figures who only identify with the grassroots when seeking elective offices. He specifically criticized those who ignored rural infrastructure during their time in power but now project themselves as human rights defenders. “Be careful of emergency human rights activists. Be careful of emergency democrats. Somebody was Speaker. Somebody was Governor. He was Minister for eight years. He never came on the road to chew corn. Now, because he wants your support, he has become an emergency corn chewer. Will you allow that?”, he asked. He contrasted this with his own track record, noting that he does not deceive the people. “As you see me here, you can know what I will do and what I will not do. I cannot ‘play wayo’ with my people. Do you want me to tell you lies? I will tell you the truth”, he said. Reflecting on the infrastructure already delivered, such as the recently commissioned Saburi Road in the council, Wike stated that the relationship between the government and the people must be “symbiotic.” “Relationship must not be one-sided. You do for me, I do for you... Agreement is what? If you say, do this for me, and I say, when you do this for me, I will do this for you. When you have done your own, I should not give you excuse. I must do my own”, he declared. The minister charged the Council Chairman-elect, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu to remain accessible to his constituents, stressing that the doors of the FCT Administration remain open to ensure the “Renewed Hope” agenda is felt in every part of the territory.