The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday ruled out any reversal of government plans for the development of Jabi Lake, dismissing public appeals as emotional and inconsistent with established land-use regulations in Abuja.
Wike spoke during a media chat in Abuja while reacting to a viral video of the Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Sarah Omakwu, who knelt while appealing to the minister not to concession the Jabi Lake recreation area.
Omakwu had said, “I cannot fight the minister of the FCT. I cannot. But I go on my knees as a mother in this land that Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should not be given to anybody.
“That is where people go for exercise. That is where people sell. That is where people meet, socialise, and get married. I beg you, Mr Minister, in the name of God, as a mother, not to sell that land to anybody.”
Responding, Wike said such appeals would not influence policy decisions.
“You talked about a woman kneeling begging. I do not get carried away by such emotions. Kneeling to do what? How is Jabi land your own?” he said.
The minister explained that his administration inherited a poorly managed arrangement at the lake, which prompted the current reforms.