Dele Momodu, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in stopping the sealing of properties in Abuja due to outstanding ground rent payments. Momodu characterized the president’s action as a clear demonstration of his authority and leadership.
The Federal Capital Territory Authority, operating under the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, had on Monday, May 26, shut down multiple properties in the capital. These included commercial outlets like banks and filling stations, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office, and notably, the PDP’s national secretariat. The closures were attributed to unpaid ground rents reportedly running into billions of Naira.
However, following significant public outcry and criticism from affected stakeholders, President Tinubu ordered a temporary halt to the enforcement. He also extended a 14-day window for defaulters to settle their outstanding dues.
Reacting to the development on Instagram, Momodu commended the president’s decisive move and interpreted it as a necessary check on what he described as Wike’s overreach.
“THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TINUBU, Your Excellency, good evening, sir. I have just read the news here in America that you have stepped into the matter of your cantankerous Minister of FCT, MR NYESOM WIKE who sealed the National Secretariat of the PDP, the biggest rival of your ruling party, APC, and properties of other defaulters in Abuja earlier today.
“While no one should condone non-compliance of government obligations, government must always restrain itself from vindictive outbursts such as that of Nigeria’s most querulous politician who I’m sure is fast becoming a liability to your government. The decision to stop Wike today achieved several points in your favour.”
Momodu further criticized Wike’s method, labeling it as retaliatory and disruptive, and accused the FCT Minister of exercising authority as though he were above oversight.
The PDP stalwart also urged Tinubu to take similar action in Rivers State, where Wike has been embroiled in a long-standing political dispute with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He added, “We used to think we have two presidents in Nigeria, Tinubu and Wike. Now, we know WIKE has a boss who can checkmate his excesses. How I wished you had stopped his reckless disruption and distraction of the Sim Fubara government in Rivers State and saved the hapless people from this unfortunate contraption called emergency rule.
“Nigerians are currently going through so much hardship and pain, and you need to rescue them from WIKE’s additional burden and insults. WIKE’s assignments are far smaller than that of Minister Dave Umahi, yet the man is so humble while WIKE subjects Nigerians to his tautological press conferences as if he’s running his own Federal government and not under anyone’s control.
“Sir, there can’t be two captains in one ship, and I hope WIKE got that message loud and clear from your powerful intervention today.”
