The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he will not allow emotions or public appeals to influence governance decisions under his watch.
Wike made the remarks on Wednesday while responding to concerns raised by the Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Abuja, Sarah Omakwu, over plans to develop the Jabi Lake recreation area.
The cleric had, in a viral video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, knelt while appealing to the minister to reconsider the project, warning against converting the recreational site into private development.
She said, “I cannot fight the minister of the FCT. I cannot. But I go on my knees as a mother in this land that Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should not be given to anybody.”
Responding during his monthly press briefing in Abuja, Wike said his administration would prioritise public interest over emotional appeals.
He said, “I’m human in this government and you don’t expect everybody to be happy. If majority are happy, then I’m happy. Some people don’t understand what’s going on; you should ask questions.”
The minister questioned the ownership status of the facility and faulted what he described as misinformation surrounding the project.
“You talk about the woman kneeling down and begging. I’m not carried away by such emotions. Begging to do what? Who owns Jabi Lake? How does it become your own?” he asked.
Wike explained that the administration met the area in a deteriorated state and had to intervene to restore order and ensure proper utilisation.
According to him, previous arrangements with a private developer had failed, leading to the emergence of shanties and unsafe conditions around the facility.
“When I came on board, that place was given to a company that said they wanted to turn it into an entertainment centre, but they have turned it into shanties,” he said.
He added that the situation posed security concerns, noting that the presence of informal settlements around the area made it unsafe for residents and visitors.
Wike maintained that the government’s priority was to restore sanity and ensure that public infrastructure serves its intended purpose.
