*Accuses FCT Minister Wike of Improper Pressure on Directors, Land Redistribution
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
In a scathing response to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has accused the former Rivers State governor of playing a role in the 2016 raid on homes of senior judges and the controversial removal of former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen from office in 2019.
“Wike is the reason why they raided the homes of judges,” Adeyanju alleged in a press conference yesterday. “Wike is one of the reasons why the former CJN was removed from office. He kept going around saying that he has the judiciary in his pocket and he was mentioning names.”
Adeyanju claimed that Wike, during his tenure as Rivers State governor, had been “building houses for judges and giving judges cars” to influence them. He suggested Wike was now accusing the federal government of instructing him to do so. “Was it Buhari that told him to build houses and buy cars for judges when he was in Rivers State?” Adeyanju asked. “All this land grabbing that he’s doing, the people that he’s doing deals with, he will still expose all of them.”
The Department of State Services (DSS) carried out overnight raids on the homes of several federal judges in October 2016 as part of a corruption investigation, drawing condemnation from civil society groups and the Nigerian Bar Association. Walter Onnoghen, the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, was suspended from office by President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2019 over his alleged failure to declare his assets.
Adeyanju’s criticisms extended beyond the judiciary to ongoing developments within the FCT Administration. He claimed that directors are being pressured to resign if they do not align with certain directives, indicating an erosion of due process and ethical governance. “Directors in the FCT Administration are being pressured to resign if they disagree with certain directives,” Adeyanju pointed out. He further alleged that land in the region is being redistributed without proper due process, which could lead to a breakdown of trust in public institutions.
The activist described Wike’s political behavior as self-serving, noting that “Wike’s only address is looting public resources and engaging in electoral malpractice.” Adeyanju, who claimed he left active politics in 2016 due to its “dirtiness,” dismissed Wike’s portrayal of him as jobless. “We employ over 25 people, including lawyers and non-lawyers. I am not like Wike, who has always had his mouth tied to public patrimony,” he retorted.
Speaking yesterday, Adeyanju accused Wike of being a “serial betrayer” who has never held a real job. “Wike has never worked anywhere in his life,” Adeyanju alleged. “He is a serial betrayer. The only difference between Wike and Portable is that Portable does not betray people that have helped him.”
Adeyanju further accused Wike of deceiving former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential campaign. Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, had sought Wike’s support during the race. However, Adeyanju claims that while Wike publicly encouraged Obi’s ambitions, he was secretly working to undermine the Labour Party candidate.
“Wike deceived Peter Obi,” Adeyanju stated. “Peter kept going to him, and he was encouraging him, but he went behind his back and sabotaged him.” This allegation suggests that Wike’s support for Obi was insincere and that the FCT Minister actively worked against Obi’s presidential bid despite outward appearances.
Adeyanju further elaborated on Wike’s tendency to lash out at critics, stating that Wike often attempts to stifle dissent by reaching out personally. “Whenever you challenge him, he will call you. He does not like to be criticized,” Adeyanju noted, underscoring that his commitment to activism has come at great personal cost, including multiple arrests and detentions over the years.
The activist also recalled incidents from over eight years ago, involving consultations with various People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governors, including Wike. “He [Wike] swore to support certain candidates but later reneged on his promises,” Adeyanju said, describing Wike’s actions as inconsistent and devoid of integrity.
He cited Wike’s strained relationship with Governor Siminalayi Fubara as an example of how Wike’s autocratic approach often leads to conflict. “I commend Governor Fubara for dealing decisively with him. That’s how you deal with tyrants—you show them that they are nothing without power,” Adeyanju declared.
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
Bonus:
Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.
How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626
________________________________________________________________________ The Law And Practice Of Redundancy In Nigeria: A Practitioner’s Guide, Authored By A Labour & Employment Law Expert Bimbo Atilola
_______________________________________________________________________
“Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
