Wike Questions Bode George’s Abuja Mansion, Defends FCT Contract Policy

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday took a swipe at Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Bode George, challenging him to explain the ownership of his Maitama residence while responding to criticisms of corruption and his style of governance.

Wike made the remarks during his monthly media chat in Abuja, where he also defended his administration’s approach to infrastructure development and contract awards in the nation’s capital.

The former Rivers State governor alleged that the Abuja property occupied by the Lagos-based PDP leader was linked to funds from Rivers State, insisting that those who accuse others of corruption should also be willing to account for their own assets.

“This man from Lagos, Bode George, when they talk about corruption, ask him about the house he is living in Maitama, is it not Rivers State money?” Wike said.

He argued that public figures should be prepared to answer questions about their financial records and sources of wealth before criticising others.

Wike, who has recently defended his political decisions and working relationship with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, also used the media chat to explain his policy on infrastructure development in the FCT.

The minister said his administration would not be pressured into awarding contracts without adequate financial backing, stressing that his priority was the completion of projects rather than making announcements that could result in abandoned works.

“Awarding contract is easy but cash-backing it is another thing,” he said.

According to Wike, governments should be assessed based on completed projects rather than the number of contracts awarded.

He warned that projects initiated without guaranteed funding often end up abandoned, creating economic and environmental challenges for host communities.

The minister reaffirmed that the FCT Administration would continue to approve projects only when there is a realistic financing plan to ensure their timely completion.