Wike Defends Jabi Lake Enforcement Amid Pastor's Plea

ABUJA, Nigeria - Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike defended ongoing enforcement actions at Jabi Lake, a popular recreational site in Abuja, during a media briefing on Wednesday, dismissing emotional appeals from a local pastor opposed to the government's plans.

The controversy centers on a viral video in which Rev. Sarah Omaku, senior pastor of Family Worship Centre, knelt on her pulpit and pleaded with Wike not to allocate the site for private development. "I cannot fight the minister of the FCT. But I go on my knees as a mother in this land that Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should not be given to anybody," she said. "That is where people go for exercise... socialise, and get married."

Wike rejected the plea, insisting decisions follow land-use laws and the Abuja master plan, not public sentiment. "You talk about the woman kneeling down and begging. I'm not carried away by such emotions," he said. "Begging to do what? Who owns Jabi Lake? How does it become your own?" He described the site upon his arrival as overrun by shanties despite an earlier allocation to a company for an entertainment center over 15 years ago. After a personal inspection, Wike noted concerns...