ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has vowed to take firm action against tax defaulters in Abuja, insisting that no individual regardless of status will be spared if they fail to meet their financial obligations to the government.
There is no reprieve yet for tax defaulters, Wike declared, adding emphatically, “I will touch you, if the right thing is not done. That is leadership… you will pay it. You will pay, if you don’t pay, I will touch you and heaven will not fall, but rather be at peace.”
His comments followed the sealing of several properties by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Monday, May 26, 2025, including the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) located in Wuse Zone 5.
The action, taken over non-payment of ground rent, triggered criticism from the PDP, with acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, describing the move as an act of irresponsibility by the Federal Government.
Speaking on Thursday at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, where he delivered the institution’s 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture, Wike emphasized that even Abuja’s so-called ‘untouchables’ will face consequences if they flout the law.
“Leadership is not about you liking someone, it is about you being courageous to make a decision that will help us to move forward,” he said.
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He continued: “I am not the first Minister of FCT, no poor man lives in Maitama, Asokoro, all are rich men. No poor man does business in Central Business Area. They say they are untouchable, I say No!”
Wike criticized the long-standing tolerance for tax evasion among the wealthy, describing it as a sign of weak governance. “They didn’t appoint me as minister for a beauty contest,” he remarked.
The former Rivers State Governor also used the platform to decry what he described as a recurring pattern of unprepared and reluctant leadership in Nigeria. According to him, poor-quality leadership has hindered the nation’s progress.
“Indeed, some of these leaders were ab initio, even reluctant to take on the mantle of leadership. Accordingly, Nigeria has substantially been infested with leaders without preparation, knowledge, courage, patriotism and character,” he said.
Citing chronic issues such as poor infrastructure, weak institutions, and a struggling economy, Wike emphasized the urgent need for capable, forward-thinking leaders.
“A leader of our dreams must be one who is prepared to lead; one who has shown character and resilience in the face of challenges,” he noted.
“Perhaps, more importantly, the leader of our dreams must create a society of free and responsible citizens whose potentials flow freely and free enterprise thrives.”
Referencing The Sheikh CEO by Yasar Jarrar, Wike pointed to the visionary leadership of Dubai’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as an example of how disciplined, purposeful governance can transform a society.
He also praised President Bola Tinubu for demonstrating courage and decisiveness, particularly in the removal of fuel subsidy on his first day in office.
“Leaders before him all spoke about the evil of fuel subsidy, but none had the courage to dare the blackmail of removing it. Tinubu did,” Wike said.
“Today, our states have far more resources to develop, the debts are no longer piling, and the price of petrol is gradually but steadily adjusting downwards.”
Earlier, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Simeon Bamire, both commended Wike for his contributions to national development through various public service roles.