‘I derive joy in stepping on big toes’ – Wike warns elite over ground rent

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a strong warning to a section of the country’s elite over the enforcement of ground rent payments, declaring that he has no fear of stepping on powerful toes.

Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike made it clear that the days of impunity, where certain privileged individuals believed they could disregard laws without consequence, were over.

The minister, known for his tough stance on governance issues, said many of these elites travel abroad and see how societies are properly run, only to return to Nigeria and refuse to obey simple regulations.

“They go abroad and see how modern cities function, but come back here and refuse to comply with the law. That era is gone,” Wike stated.

He emphasised that the FCT administration would no longer tolerate individuals or organisations defaulting on ground rent payments or other statutory obligations.

“I derive joy in stepping on the toes of big people. The notion that nothing happens when the elite break the law has ended. Now, something will happen,” the minister warned.

Wike assured that his administration would remain firm in ensuring the laws of the territory were upheld, regardless of who was involved.

More details are expected as the media chat progresses.