The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has refuted claims that he purchased a N300 million Armoured Lexus LX600 SUV upon assuming office. Mr Wike made this rebuttal during a visit to the Metro Train Station in Abuja, where he was inspecting the ongoing rehabilitation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transport System.
Recently, some sections of the media published a picture of an Armoured Lexus SUV model LX 600, with the license plate reading ‘FCT – 01’. These reports alleged that the SUV, costing over N300 million, belonged to the new FCT Minister.
However, Mr Wike vehemently denied these claims, describing them as nothing more than “mischief”. He emphasized that he was only sworn in on Monday and had not yet had the opportunity to begin his work. He clarified that all he had done so far was interact with staff and visit the Metro Train Station with the Minister of State for FCT.
Addressing the issue head-on, Mr Wike challenged the media to examine the car and see for themselves whether it was a bulletproof vehicle. He stated that people should be cautious about spreading false information and not engage in activities that can harm others.
Offering further clarification, Mr Wike explained that upon resuming office, the Permanent Secretary, Adesola Olusade, informed him that the FCTA had cars for the ministers to use. Pointing at a regular Lexus SUV, he stated that this was the vehicle that he used and that he had neither authorized the purchase of a bulletproof car nor used one.
In addition to the controversy surrounding the alleged SUV purchase, the Director of Press in the Office of the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye, dismissed claims that Wike planned to demolish 6,000 houses across 30 settlements in Abuja, including Wadata Plaza. Mr Ogunleye stressed that the reports were completely untrue and lacked any factual basis.
He pointed out that these stories originated from a national daily newspaper on August 22nd, which published a report titled “Abuja land: FG may revoke land allocations, demolish 6000 buildings, slums.” Furthermore, another mainstream newspaper published an article with the headline “Wadata Plaza will go down, Reactions trail Wike’s demolition threat.”
Mr Ogunleye clarified that the Minister did not specify which areas or how many illegal houses were to be removed. Instead, he repeatedly emphasized the removal of illegal settlements and structures for the greater good of the public.
The press secretary also expressed his dismay at a headline aired on a reputable broadcast station, which stated, “I will fix Abuja in 6 days,” attributing the statement to the FCT Minister. Mr Ogunleye firmly stated that the Minister never made such a claim or used any phrase resembling it. He attributed the misleading headline to pure mischief.
The press secretary emphasized the negative impact that sensational reporting has on the public, as it misleads and undermines the crucial role of accurate and well-researched journalism in society.
NAN
