The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the ongoing enforcement action at Jabi Lake, saying the move is based on law and not emotions.
Wike made this known on Wednesday during a media chat in Abuja, while responding to a public appeal by Serah Omaku, Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre. The pastor had earlier knelt during a church service, pleading with the minister not to repossess land around the lake, a video that later went viral.
However, the minister dismissed the appeal, stating that public sentiment would not influence government decisions. He questioned how individuals could claim ownership of a public asset like Jabi Lake, adding that the area had been misused by developers.
Wike explained that the land was originally allocated to a company for proper development as a recreational and entertainment centre, but instead, it had been turned into informal structures and shanties. He expressed concern over security risks and poor standards around the area, especially with the presence of hotels near such developments.
He confirmed that the government has revoked the land allocation and plans to reassign it to capable investors who can develop it properly. According to him, strict conditions will be attached, including timelines for development, and any failure will lead to another revocation.
The minister also clarified that the exercise is not meant to deny public access to the lake, but to recover land that has been abandoned or misused. He added that several plots around the lake had remained undeveloped for years and assured that the government will continue to enforce proper land use in the interest of all residents.