Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju accuses FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of land grabbing, criticizing his policies and highlighting alleged misconduct in a heated public exchange.
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accusing him of land grabbing and targeting vulnerable citizens with anti-people policies. Adeyanju vowed that Wike will one day account for his actions, particularly the seizure of lands in the FCT, which he alleges are being handed to the minister's cronies.
The controversy stems from demolitions carried out by the FCT Joint Task Force under Wike’s leadership, leaving many residents of Abuja homeless. Adeyanju led protests against these demolitions, accusing the minister of enacting harmful policies and fostering corruption. In response, Wike dismissed Adeyanju as a “jobless man” and recalled an encounter where Adeyanju allegedly sought his support for a political position years ago.
Read More:
Wike’s Claims and Adeyanju’s Response
During a press conference, Wike downplayed Adeyanju's protests, claiming the lawyer approached him years ago seeking support to become the PDP National Publicity Secretary. Wike stated, “This young boy came to me... I said he won’t be, and he was not. He has suddenly become a civil society activist.”
Adeyanju rebutted these remarks, calling Wike’s statements misleading and irrelevant. According to Adeyanju, the events Wike referenced occurred before his resignation from politics eight years ago. He also clarified that meeting party leaders for consultations was routine, not an act of “begging,” as Wike alleged.
Adeyanju criticized Wike’s focus on past interactions rather than addressing the serious allegations of land grabbing and misuse of power. “Rather than faulting our allegations, he admitted to grabbing lands and giving them to his friends. These are the kinds of people ruling our country,” Adeyanju said.
Demolition Protests and Land-Grabbing Allegations
Adeyanju's protests stem from demolitions carried out in parts of the FCT. The lawyer accused Wike of targeting the poor by seizing their lands and handing them to wealthy allies. In a direct rebuttal to Wike’s defense, Adeyanju stated, “Wike has not denied our allegations. Instead, he asked, ‘Should I give the lands to my enemies?’ This level of arrogance and disregard for due process is appalling.”
Adeyanju labeled the minister’s actions as indicative of deeper corruption and impunity, accusing him of using public office to enrich himself and his associates. “These are people who should be in jail for corruption, not giving lectures on morality,” he asserted.
A History of Conflict
Adeyanju also attributed Wike’s antagonism to past political disagreements, including opposing Wike’s support for controversial political figures like Ali Modu-Sherif. He claimed Wike has a “god complex” and an aversion to constructive criticism, often severing ties with those who challenge his decisions.
“He called me many times to express his displeasure with my criticisms. Wike does not like to be challenged. He thrives in an echo chamber where only his views matter,” Adeyanju said.
Read Also:
Final Thoughts
Adeyanju has positioned himself as an advocate for justice, vowing to hold public officials accountable. Despite Wike’s attempts to dismiss his activism as a result of “joblessness,” Adeyanju highlighted his professional achievements, including running a successful law firm and employing over 25 people.
“I have never been elected or appointed to public office. I have always worked for my livelihood, unlike Wike, who has consistently lived off public funds,” Adeyanju said.