Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of using the ongoing Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) revocations in Abuja as a ploy to intimidate opposition members.
In a statement released in Abuja, Frank described the revocations, which allegedly include properties linked to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, as a “Nollywood script.”
He claimed the move aimed to distract from Wike’s actual targets, who he said were opposition figures who might challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
“We have intelligence that the list of land allottees whose C of O has purportedly been revoked is part of Wike’s grand strategy to harass and intimidate opposition members and others who may oppose Tinubu’s reelection,” Frank stated.
He noted that Buhari and Abbas have both denied owning the properties attributed to them, further raising questions about the legitimacy of Wike’s actions.
“Every sane Nigerian knows that Wike, as a minister in Tinubu’s administration, dare not revoke lands belonging to key officials in this administration.
“Their names are being used as a smokescreen to justify his land-grabbing spree and demolitions targeting the poor and vulnerable,” he added.
Frank also referred to allegations made by Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, who accused Wike of reassigning the Right of Occupancy (R of O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for her estate’s land to Saravera Nigeria Limited, a company linked to Kingsley Chinda, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and Wike’s ally.
The activist challenged Wike to present evidence proving that the top APC officials listed in his publicized revocations own the lands.
He alleged that Wike is preparing to extend his revocation efforts to members of the opposition, particularly those who opposed him in Rivers State or supported Governor Siminalayi Fubara in their political feud.
“What Wike is doing in the FCT is not different from what he did in Rivers State, where he revoked C of O of his political opponents and demolished their properties,” Frank said.
He predicted the next wave of revocations would target opposition figures critical of Tinubu or Wike himself.
Frank accused President Tinubu of granting Wike unchecked authority to carry out wanti-people actions.”
He warned Tinubu to be cautious, suggesting that Wike might eventually betray him, just as he allegedly betrayed former President Goodluck Jonathan after gaining his favour.
“Wike’s history is rife with sycophancy and betrayal. He is using his position as FCT minister to settle political scores, particularly against those he perceives as threats or adversaries. Wike is bitter because Rivers State, his former power base, is now beyond his control,” he said.
The activist called on Nigerians and the opposition to resist Wike’s alleged vendetta, urging vigilance against the misuse of public office for personal and political gains.
“This is a moment for all Nigerians to stand firm against oppression and intimidation,” he concluded.
