By Paul Joseph
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has sparked outrage after bluntly dismissing emotional appeals from a woman protesting land actions in Abuja, insisting that public interest overrides personal claims adding that “if she likes, let her call God to come down”.
Speaking during a policy discussion on economic and land use reforms on Wednesday, Wike questioned the basis of private ownership over areas like Jabi, stressing that such lands are not personal property but assets meant for public development.
“To the woman who was crying, if she likes, let her call God to come down. What is my business? How does Jabi become hers? Is it an individual or government property?” he said.
He maintained that authorities are focused on ensuring that investors properly develop land for the benefit of the wider public, rather than allowing what he described as misuse or illegal occupation.
The official also referenced a separate case involving a cleric who allegedly constructed a church on land earmarked for recreational purposes, warning that such violations would no longer be tolerated.
“You cannot build where you are not supposed to and expect sympathy,” he added.
The remarks have triggered mixed reactions, with critics condemning the tone as insensitive, while supporters argue that stricter enforcement is necessary to restore order in land administration.
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