Wike threatened to pursue a rich tax evaders with connections in Abuja

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reiterated the commitment of his government to uphold tax compliance in Abuja, warning that wealth and influence will not protect the mantra from government actions.

Speaking bravely at the University of Obafemi Awolowo, Ile-sife, on Thursday, Wike stated that the elite in the capital will no longer be treated as “untouched,” insisting that all tax obligations must be fulfilled-there are no problems that are cows that are caught.

“I will touch you, if the right thing is not finished. That is leadership, they do not appoint me as a minister for a beauty contest.

The Governor of the former river state, who gave a famous personality lecture 2025 with the theme ‘Nigeria of Our Dreams’, swiping the rich Abuja population, emphasizing that law enforcement will not avoid influential.

“Leadership is not about you like someone, this is about those of you who dare to make decisions that will help us to move forward,” Wike stressed.

“I am not the first minister of FCT, no poor people live in Mauitama, Asokoro, all rich people. No poor people do business in the central business area. They say they are not touched, I say no!”

His statement arose after a controversial enforcement action on May 26, 2025, when the FCT administrative task force sealed several properties-including the Democratic National Headquarters (PDP) in Abuja-for not paying land rent. PDP has reacted sharply, with the acting chairman of its national chairman, Umar Damagum, described the step as “irresponsible actions by the federal government.”

But the wike multiplied, said that law enforcement would continue to be regardless of the political fall or social status of those involved.

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Speaking of broader leadership problems in Nigeria, Wike condemned the historical trend of individuals who were not ready to rise to power, saying that had greatly hampered national development.

“Indeed, some of these leaders are AB Initio, even reluctant to take leadership coats. Thus, Nigeria has substantially infected by leaders without preparation, knowledge, courage, patriotism and character.

“It’s no wonder our country has spent too much time groping in the dark and fiddling with the nuggets of general development such as basic infrastructure, primary health care, an efficient democratic system and judiciary, and functional economy.”

He advocated a new type of leadership-which was rooted in courage, integrity, and advanced policy.

“Our dream leader must be someone who is ready to lead; someone who has shown character and resilience in facing challenges.

“Maybe, more importantly, our dream leader must create a free and responsible citizen community whose potential flows freely and companies are free to develop.”

Drawing inspiration from Dubai transformation, Wike quoted the Yasar Jarrar book “The Sheikh CEO”, crediting visionary leadership under Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as the key to changing the emirat from the desert to the global economic center.

The minister concluded by praising the President of Bola Tinubu, praising his bold leadership style and in particular his controversial decision to eliminate fuel subsidies.

“He (Tinubu) has shown a large capacity to give birth to development as captured in the rapid and exponential lagos state development under his supervision and even outside.”

“On his first day, after being appointed as president, he showed a rare courage by eliminating hydra -headed fuel subsidies that impoverished the Nigerian generation and binding them into debts that could be avoided and eternal.”

“The leaders in front of him all talked about fuel subsidy crimes, but no one had the courage to challenge extortion to delete it. Tinubu did it and exactly wrestled with the consequences of this removal that was inevitable, unwanted and sometimes regulated.”

“Today, our countries have far more resources to be developed, debt is no longer piled up, and the price of gasoline gradually but continues to adjust down to the strength of demand and supply and strict implementation of regulatory requirements.”