My children have right to own lands – Wike

 

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the right of his children to own land in Nigeria, dismissing recent allegations that he illegally allocated large parcels of land to them in Abuja.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Wike argued that his children, as Nigerian citizens, are entitled to own land—just like any other citizen—provided the proper procedures are followed.

“Assuming, though not conceding, my children applied for land. Are they not citizens? Are they Ghanaians? Even if they applied, are they not entitled because I’m minister?” he questioned.

Wike, however, firmly denied reports that he allocated hectares of land in Maitama and Asokoro to his sons. He described the accusations as baseless and politically motivated, alleging they originated from an unnamed individual in Adamawa State.

“First, calculate land in Maitama and Asokoro and tell me where you’d get 2,000 hectares of land. And I know where it is coming from. It is from Adamawa state. I am aware,” he said.

The online claims alleged that Wike allocated 2,082 hectares to one son via JOAQ Farms and Estates Limited and 1,740 hectares to another son, Jordan—totaling 3,822 hectares allegedly worth $6.45 billion.

Wike rejected the figures as absurd and challenged anyone with evidence to come forward.

“The whole thing is rubbish. Where in Maitama and Asokoro can you find 2,000 hectares? Bring the documents, bring empirical evidence,” he said.