The Conference of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability (COCTA) has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately dismiss FCT Minister Nyesom Wike following his controversial confrontation with a naval officer in Abuja.
COCTA’s demand follows the circulation of a viral video showing the FCT Minister confronting a naval officer at a disputed plot of land in Abuja on November 11.
In a statement released on Saturday and signed by Haruna Abdulsalam, the National Director of Communication and Advocacy, the group described Wike’s conduct as a major embarrassment to President Bola Tinubu’s administration and to the country at large.
According to COCTA, public office holders are entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the government’s image—not intimidating or obstructing security personnel performing their lawful duties.
“We are calling on the president to urgently set up a transparent, independent panel to probe the alleged conversion of hundreds of FCT green areas into private residential estates, hotels, and shopping complexes,” the statement said.
COCTA added that the investigation must also cover what it described as questionable land revocations—many of which allegedly favoured relatives and associates of powerful individuals—as well as the sale of lands originally designated for hospitals and other vital public services.
According to the group, these public assets were reportedly sold for billions of naira, often paid in cash and foreign currency.
“We have documented proof of these abuses, including petitions and records of revoked allocations, revealing a worrying pattern of converting public resources into personal wealth,” the organisation stated. “Those involved must face justice, and the FCT’s green spaces and public properties must be preserved for the collective good.”
COCTA further urged President Tinubu to remove Wike and appoint Tein Jack-Rich, a Rivers-born engineer and member of the APC, as FCT Minister. The group argued that Jack-Rich’s strong background in community development, urban planning, and public service makes him a competent and credible replacement.
“We applaud notable Nigerians — including human rights advocate Femi Falana, the Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru, and Minister Bello Matawalle — for firmly rejecting any attempt to justify tampering with the facts or punishing the naval officer involved,” COCTA stated.
“Their boldness in standing for justice, fairness, and due process deserves recognition.”
The group reiterated its demand for full accountability and transparency in the management of the FCT’s resources, stressing that it will continue to champion Nigerians’ right to a sustainable, fair, and well-planned urban environment.
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