Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has dismissed claims tying President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to a non‑existent government agency as “rubbish” and “madness,” describing the accusations as politically motivated attempts to embarrass the administration.
Wike made the remarks at his monthly media briefing, saying he knew Femi Gbajabiamila well and that the allegations were implausible.
“Does it make sense that an agency that does not exist, he will tell him to give him so, so amount of money? It’s madness,”
Minister Wike told reporters in Abuja, adding that the accuser’s conduct—he said the young man at the centre of the charge had fled—undermined the credibility of the claim.
Wike urged Nigerians to disregard calls from opposition figures for politicians to join an independent inquiry established by President Tinubu, calling such demands “political theatre” that could impede the formal investigation.
He said the public should allow the presidential panel to complete its work without interference.
Separately, the Minister used the briefing to outline fiscal gains in the capital following a controversial exit from the Treasury Single Account, a federal cash‑management system.
Minister Wike said the FCT’s decision—approved by President Tinubu—had freed up municipal funds and allowed the territory to use internally generated revenue as collateral for commercial borrowing.
“If we came on board, our IGR was a mere N9 billion a month. As I speak to you today, our IGR is about N40 billion,” he said, attributing the jump to tighter revenue controls and the move out of the TSA.
The Minister said the improved cash flow had financed projects ranging from water works and school renovations to the resumption of stalled hospital construction, and that the administration had restructured budgets to prioritise capital spending and clear arrears to contractors.
Wike also announced a tougher posture on land and market encroachments, saying task forces would be deployed to clear illegal markets and reclaim parks converted to private uses.
He described the measures as part of a broader effort to protect newly acquired public assets.
NewsQuest reports that the allegation against Gbajabiamila has become a focal point of political debate, with opposition leaders urging transparency and participation in the presidential panel.
Minister Wike’s remarks align with government messaging that the matter should be handled through official channels rather than public accusation.
