Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has passionately appealed to Nigerians for daily prayers over the challenges involved in enforcing laws against powerful individuals who consider themselves above the law.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Monday, the FCT minister particularly targeted wealthy tax evaders in upscale Abuja districts, questioning their claims of representing the poor.
He challenged Nigerians to examine the demographics of Abuja’s affluent neighbourhoods.
“How many poor people live in Maitama, Wuse? The rich men will hire people to go to the press to talk as if they are talking on behalf of the poor people.
“Ask yourself this question: how many people can own a house in Maitama here? How many poor people have businesses in Maitama, Central Business Area, Wuse, and Garki?” he said.
The minister drew parallels with developed nations’ strict tax regimes, emphasising Nigeria’s revenue challenges.
“Every government has funding problems and that is why in advanced countries, they don’t joke with the issue of taxes. You can even go free with murder cases than tax evasion,” he said.
He revealed the personal toll of confronting powerful interests, “You should be praying for people like us everyday because of what we see and pass through. When we take decisions to do the right thing, you see all kinds of comments.”
The minister further urged citizens to question narratives from privileged individuals resisting reforms.
“You should take the pains to ask questions when you see the high and mighty who think that they are above the law,” he said.
