Wike Defies Tinubu’s Order, FIRS Operations Disrupted for Second Day

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has come under fire for allegedly ignoring President Bola Tinubu’s directive to halt enforcement actions against properties accused of defaulting on ground rent payments. Despite a presidential order granting a 14-day grace period, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) operations were disrupted for the second consecutive day.

On Tuesday, chaos reportedly broke out at the FIRS headquarters in Abuja, where officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) attempted to enforce property sanctions. Arabinrin Aderonke, technical assistant on broadcast media to FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji, accused FCTA officials of harassing staff and causing disorder, despite FIRS not being among listed defaulters.

“Despite PBAT’s yesterday order directing FCTA to give 14-day grace to defaulters, although FIRS isn’t a defaulter, FCTA returned to FIRS Hq to cause mayhem,” Aderonke wrote on X. “My colleague, SA Protocol to FIRS Chairman, was beaten by an officer of NSCDC with bruises and blood all over his body.”

Public reaction on social media was swift, with many Nigerians expressing outrage. One user, @YoungLobzy, stated, “I think this needs to be decisively dealt with. To be honest this madness must stop.” Another user, @mamatii001, described the incident as “extreme,” urging the minister to rein in his officials.

This latest action follows Mr Wike’s earlier order to seal properties, including the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), over unpaid dues. President Tinubu intervened shortly after, directing that affected individuals and agencies be given a two-week window to regularise their payments.

In a statement issued by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration in the FCT, Wike advised all property owners to ensure prompt payment of fees and charges, saying timely compliance is necessary for sustaining infrastructure and development in the territory.