Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that he takes joy in confronting powerful figures flouting property regulations in Abuja, insisting all defaulting owners, including his own party, must pay outstanding ground rents or face consequences.
Wike, during a media chat in Abuja on Monday, took aim at predecessors, including current Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, accusing them of lacking the courage to compel political bigwigs to comply with payment obligations.
He emphasised his uncompromising approach, saying that, “Look at what we are doing differently. People have said that FCT was not working, but now it is working, which means I am doing things that they refused to do.
“I found out that most of them didn’t have the courage to annoy people, to step on toes. But I take joy when I step on the toes of big men; those who say nothing will happen, but I say something will happen. It makes me happy.”
The minister singled out the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), demanding payment for its national secretariat.
He also criticised PDP elders like Bode George, previously targeted by Wike for questioning his loyalty to the party.
Wike while rejecting claims of bias against the poor, Wike asserted, “All they want me to do is to make decisions against poor people, saying nothing will happen to them.
“But I say something will happen. That is why we are making results. If you don’t do the right thing, too bad. I don’t care.”