Timi Frank faults Tinubu’s silence on Wike’s alleged land grab, others, says President should act now

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has raised alarm over serious allegations of land grab, corruption, and abuse of office linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, calling out President Bola Tinubu for failing to intervene.

In a statement issued from Abuja, Frank pointed to fresh claims reported by an online platform, People’s Gazette, and statements by Senator Ireti Kingibe, which he said expose a troubling pattern of misconduct and unchecked authority under Wike’s leadership.

He described the alleged unlawful distribution of land to Wike’s family members, allies, and political loyalists as “a national scandal that demands urgent intervention.”

According to the allegations, Wike is said to allocate plots daily to those within his inner circle, sidelining legitimate applicants — including investors and everyday citizens — with genuine needs for residential or commercial land. One of the more shocking accusations involves the revocation of an embassy’s property, which was allegedly reassigned to a personal associate.

Frank, who also serves as Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), warned: “This blatant disregard for the rule of law will discourage local and foreign investors, leading to economic setbacks for the FCT and Nigeria as a whole.”

He expressed deep frustration at what he described as President Tinubu’s failure to respond, contrasting it with how swiftly the administration suspended the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, over a less severe case.

“Mr President let me remind you that former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Betta Edu’s case was not as grievous compared to what Wike has done yet you suspended her and sacked her.

“So why is Wike’s case different despite the public expose’? This clearly shows that you are either a beneficiary of Wike’s land grabbing spree or an accomplice by your refusal to act in the face of public outcry against the heist.”

Frank said the President’s continued silence risks damaging both his administration and personal credibility: “The continued silence of President Tinubu in the face of these weighty allegations is both troubling and unacceptable. If these actions by the FCT Minister go unchecked, they will tarnish the President’s image and administration.

“What does this silence say about your government, Mr. President? Are you, by omission or commission, endorsing these corrupt practices to build patronage and raise funds for the 2027 elections?”

He also criticized the apparent inaction of institutions charged with tackling corruption, such as the EFCC, ICPC, and the Police, questioning whether they had become complicit.

“Are these institutions now complicit in Wike’s alleged corrupt practices?” He queried.

Similarly, Frank condemned the National Assembly’s failure to address the allegations, despite having oversight functions over the FCT.

“It is shocking that the National Assembly, which has oversight functions over the FCT, has remained quiet despite these allegations. Could it be that they, too, have benefitted from Wike’s land distribution scheme?”

He pointed out that Wike has long been linked to land controversies, referencing his tenure in Rivers State:

“His record in Rivers State speaks volumes, where he is rumoured to be one of the highest private landowners. Now, he is replicating the same pattern in the FCT, using proxies such as his father, children, siblings, and close friends.

“How did his 95-year-old father or children, who have never worked, suddenly acquire prime lands in Abuja? This reeks of conflict of interest and corruption of the highest order.”
Frank urged the President to take immediate action to preserve public trust:

“Mr. President, the Nigerian people are watching. If you fail to act, history will remember that by 2027, you left the indigenous people of Abuja as internally displaced persons in their own city.

“You promised Nigerians a government of integrity. Where is the investigation panel you once vowed to set up? Has it all been lip service?”

The Bayelsa-born political activist demanded the immediate resignation or suspension of Wike to allow for an independent investigation into the allegations, saying, “Anything short of this will imply that you (President Tinubu) and your family are direct beneficiaries of this corruption.

“Suspend Wike immediately and set up an independent panel of inquiry into all FCT land allocations since he assumed office.

“Ensure accountability for all public officers involved in this alleged land-grabbing scandal and restore confidence in the rule of law and the sanctity of the FCT’s land administration process.

“Enough is enough! Wike hides under the guise of flashy projects while engaging in unprecedented corruption. Past FCT Ministers developed new districts such as Wuye, Jabi, and Jahi without looting or noise. Why must we tolerate such impunity now?

“Mr. President, relieve Wike of his duties and let him answer for his sins. Your inaction will only confirm that impunity and corruption are the hallmarks of your administration.”