The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday said he would not be swayed by sentiments in the execution of his official responsibilities, following a public appeal by a cleric over the future of the Jabi Lake recreation area in Abuja.
Wike made the remark while reacting to a video in which the Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Abuja, Sarah Omakwu, passionately urged the minister not to hand over the lake’s recreational facility to private developers.
In the widely circulated video posted on Sunday, Omakwu was seen kneeling at the altar as she appealed to the FCT minister, stressing that the waterfront should be preserved for public use.
She said, “I cannot contend with the minister, but as a concerned mother in this country, I appeal that Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should not be allocated to any individual.”
However, speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja, Wike maintained that emotional appeals would not influence policy decisions under his watch.
According to him, governance requires balancing diverse interests, noting that it was unrealistic to expect universal approval of government actions.
“I am a human being, and in governance, not everyone will be satisfied. If the majority are content, then that is what matters. People should seek proper information before drawing conclusions,” he said.
Addressing the pastor’s gesture, Wike questioned the basis of the appeal, insisting that the facility was not owned by any individual or group.
“People talk about someone kneeling and pleading, but I cannot be moved by such emotions. Begging for what? Who owns Jabi Lake?” he queried.
The minister further disclosed that the site had previously been allocated to a private firm with a plan to develop it into an entertainment hub, but lamented that the area had instead deteriorated into makeshift structures.
He explained that during a recent visit, he observed the proliferation of shanties around the lake, raising concerns about the environment and security.
“There is even a hotel there. Who would want to lodge in such a place surrounded by shanties? You cannot rule out the presence of criminal elements in such conditions,” Wike added.
The minister reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring order and ensuring that public assets within the FCT are developed in line with approved standards.