“I take joy when I step on the toes of big men. Those who say that nothing will happen, I take joy in saying that something will happen.
“All you want me to do is to take decisions against the poor people, but you the rich man, nothing will happen. Something will happen and that’s why we are getting results. If you don’t do the right thing, too bad. I don’t care.
“The only person I owe an explanation to is Mr. President.”
These were the words of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike when he fielded questions from select media men on the two year achievements in the FCT, of the government of President Bola Tinubu.
The Minister stressed that what made the government of Tinubu different from others is that it has the courage to “annoy people” and “step on toes” in the pursuit of good governance.
“People had said that FCT was not working and now FCT is working. I’m doing things that they refused to do. I have found out that most of them didn’t have the courage to annoy people, to step on toes.”
Wike insisted that his decisions are driven solely by a commitment to good governance and national progress, rather than any regional or religious affiliations.
“I’m not doing it because I’m from a certain place or I belong to a certain religion. I’m doing it because I have to support the government; I have to make a difference.”
He stressed that he is committed to collecting outstanding ground rents, some of which is over 30 years, aimed to combat impunity and ensure the availability of funds for infrastructure development.
He dismissed claims of insufficient notice, stating that the condition for ground rent payment is clearly outlined in title grants.
He challenged those complaining about the enforcement to acknowledge and pay up their ground rent arrears, emphasizing that without revenue, essential infrastructure cannot be provided.
