By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced the immediate take- over of the Jikwoyi plot of land where a multi-story hotel building collapsed last Friday.
Wike gave a stern warning to developers, and confirmed that the owner will be arrested and prosecuted for building without legal authorization.
The Minister said that the collapse occurred after the developer repeatedly ignored “stop-work” order issued by the Department of Development Control.
“Despite the lack of formal approval, the company proceeded with construction, leading to the eventual structural failure.”
”There was no approval for the construction of this building.”
“Development Control had issued notice to not continue, but the company hesitated and continued regardless”, he stated.
Although no lives were lost in the incident, but several individuals who had sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.
The Minister emphasized that the government’s primary concern is the safety of lives, noting that buildings constructed without supervision often use sub-standard materials.
According to him,the developer will face criminal prosecution for violating building regulations and endangering the public.
In response to the contravention, the FCTA has declared that the FCT Administration will take over the plot of land immediately.
Also, the government plans to consult with the local community to determine a suitable public-purpose project to be built on the reclaimed land.
Also, Wike issued a “zero-tolerance” warning to other developers across the FCT who bypass legal channels.
He ordered the Department of Development Control to act beyond merely serving notices and to begin the immediate demolition of unauthorized structures.
”Anywhere you see a building going on without approval, do not hesitate. “If they continue after being served, you come and bring the building down in order to save lives”, the minister instructed .
Addressing rumors of possible internal conivance, the minister clarified that in this specific case, no approval existed at any level, placing the full weight of the liability on the developer.
He urged citizens to follow the “due process” of obtaining approvals to ensure that materials like cement and sand mixtures meet safety standards before construction begins.
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Shun Partisan Reportage, Wike Charges Media, Calls on Politicians to Uphold Accountability
By Joyce Remi Babayeju
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has charged media organizations to avoid partisan reporting and maintain professionalism, especially during this democratic period in the country.
Wike made this call on Tuesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Daar Communication Management Team .
He stressed the need for journalists to prioritize accuracy, fairness, and thorough fact-checking in their reportage, noting that misleading information often stems from inadequate research.
“The media must strive to be non-partisan in the discharge of its duties. Citizens deserve the best form of reporting, and that can only be achieved when facts are properly verified before publication.”
The minister decried the growing trend of speculative and unverified reporting, particularly on television and digital platforms, which he said often misleads the public and distorts reality.
Citing recent political developments, Wike referenced decisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that a proper understanding of events would reveal that the electoral body acted within the ambit of the law.
According to him, many criticisms directed at INEC stem from a lack of full information, adding that political actors must take responsibility for internal issues rather than shifting blame to institutions or the judiciary.
“We politicians must learn to put our houses in order. When things go wrong, the tendency is to blame INEC, the judiciary, or the government in power, instead of addressing the root causes,” he said.
Wike recalled legal disputes within political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he said court rulings are sometimes ignored or misrepresented in public discourse.
He emphasised the importance of respecting decisions of competent courts, warning that disregard for judicial pronouncements could undermine Nigeria’s democratic system.
Speaking on the role of the opposition, Wike noted that politics naturally involves competition, where parties exploit each other’s weaknesses within legal boundaries, rather than offering assistance to rivals.
“If there are loopholes, the opposition will take advantage of them—that is the nature of politics. But all actions must still align with due process and the rule of law,” he stated.
The Minister also cautioned against sensationalism and misinterpretation of statements made during interviews, recalling a recent incident where his remarks were taken out of context despite clarifications that they were figurative.
He urged journalists to remain objective and avoid being used as tools by disgruntled political actors, stressing that inaccurate reporting could have consequences.
Wike also decried the rise of misinformation on social media, citing a false report that he had resigned to contest for another position, allegedly supported by a forged signature.
He called for greater responsibility among media practitioners and content creators, noting that accurate information dissemination is essential for public trust and national stability.
Reaffirming his confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process, he expressed optimism that the system would continue to improve if both the media and political actors adhere to ethical standards, accountability, and the rule of law.
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