A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dele Momodu has applauded President Bola Tinubu’s decision to halt the sealing of properties in Abuja over unpaid ground rents, describing the move as evidence that Tinubu is firmly in control of his administration.
Momodu, meanwhile, has appealed to President Tinubu to often check the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike’s action, saying this will help to checkmate the excesses of the Rivers State former governor in the seat of power.
Following public backlash and criticism from affected property owners, President Tinubu ordered a temporary suspension of the enforcement, giving defaulters a 14-day grace period to settle their debts.
Reacting to the development, Momodu praised Tinubu for his prompt intervention, describing it as a necessary check on what he called Wike’s “excesses.”
In his statement, Momodu criticized Wike’s approach as vindictive and disruptive, arguing that the FCT Minister appeared to be acting as if he was not answerable to anyone.
The publisher of Ovation further urged Tinubu to rein in Wike’s political activities in Rivers State, where the FCT Minister has been engaged in a prolonged power struggle with Governor Sim Fubara.
“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,” Momodu stated. “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.”
Momodu concluded by emphasizing the need for Tinubu to rescue Nigerians from what he described as Wike’s “additional burden and insults,” highlighting the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
On Monday, May 26, the Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA), under the supervision of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, sealed off several business premises in the capital, including banks, filling stations, the Federal Inland Revenue Service office, and the PDP’s national secretariat. The action was reportedly due to unpaid ground rents totaling billions of Naira.
