Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has hit back at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, urging him to “stop grabbing people’s land” and distributing it to his allies. Adeyanju’s comments came after a war of words between the two, sparked by the demolition of a community by the FCT Joint Task Force, which left thousands of Abuja residents homeless. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Adeyanju responded to Wike’s previous remark, where the minister had referred to him as “a jobless man” for leading protests against the demolitions. Adeyanju defended his actions, saying his only “crime” was speaking out against Wike’s actions, adding that the minister appears to have a deep disdain for constructive criticism. He vowed to continue criticizing Wike whenever he engages in unlawful or harmful behavior, particularly regarding his policies in the FCT, which Adeyanju accused of favoring wealthy cronies while displacing poor residents. Adeyanju further criticized Wike for admitting that he was giving land seized from poor communities to his friends, arguing that such behavior exposes the corruption in Nigeria’s leadership. Adeyanju also recalled his past interactions with Wike, dismissing claims that he had begged the former Rivers State governor to support his bid for a leadership role in the PDP. He clarified that while he did meet with Wike and other party leaders when he was still active in politics, he had resigned from politics eight years ago, and had faced harassment, imprisonment, and physical attacks since then. Despite their disagreements, Adeyanju revealed that Wike had previously expressed support for his political ambitions, contrary to Wike’s recent claims. He also pointed out that his consultation with party leaders wasn’t about begging, but rather about garnering support for his candidacy. Addressing Wike’s accusations, Adeyanju explained that his opposition to Wike’s policies, such as the controversial inclusion of figures like Ali Modu-Sheriff and Jimmy Agbaje in the PDP, led to Wike turning against him. He described Wike’s personal attacks as “selfish” and “vindictive.” Adeyanju also criticized Wike for his authoritarian attitude and his penchant for turning public spaces into properties for his personal gain. On the issue of his profession, Adeyanju proudly noted that his law firm employs over 25 people, dismissing Wike’s claim that he was “jobless.” He contrasted his career success with Wike’s, accusing the minister of using his position to loot public resources rather than contribute meaningfully to society. He further condemned Wike’s actions, including land grabs in the FCT, converting public parks into private residences, and his reluctance to tolerate any form of opposition. “I have never been a public official or political appointee,” Adeyanju emphasized, proudly identifying as a lawyer and businessman. He criticized Wike for having no “second address,” implying that his entire identity revolves around his public office and the corruption associated with it. Adeyanju concluded that Wike has a “god complex” and doesn’t tolerate being challenged, even though Adeyanju claims to have proof of all his accusations. READ ALSO: Price of Locally Produced Rice Expected to Surge by 55% in 2025
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has called for Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), to retire following his recent controversial remarks. Effiong criticized Adeboye’s claim that God intervened to prevent the naira’s exchange rate from rising to N10,000 to $1, describing it as absurd. Effiong argued that prayers have no influence on the exchange rate, which is instead determined by a country’s economic policies, monetary strategies, and productivity. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Effiong wrote: “Pastor Adeboye should retire and step down. His statements about the state of the nation are offensive to reasonable people. It’s important to know when to exit, and Adeboye’s continued support of this inept and oppressive government is a disservice to Christianity.” He continued, “Many Nigerians have stopped attending church because of the hypocrisy and complicity of religious leaders like Adeboye. President Tinubu has spent billions on fuel subsidies despite his previous promises, and his government has done nothing to address the widespread corruption in the oil sector. We are not all easily deceived.” Effiong further criticized Adeboye’s assertion that his prayers were responsible for preventing further devaluation of the naira. He emphasized that exchange rates are influenced by tangible economic factors, not prayer. “Adeboye has been praying for Nigeria and its leaders for years, yet things remain unchanged. Either his prayers are ineffective, or God is not answering him,” Effiong said. He concluded by pointing out that some of the most corrupt politicians in Nigeria are followers of Adeboye. “He needs to take a good look at himself in the mirror,” Effiong added. READ ALSO: Without divine intervention, the exchange rate would have skyrocketed to #10,000 for $1 – Pastor E. A Adebole
