Begging For What?” – Wike Criticizes Abuja Pastor Over Kneeling Appeal In Jabi Lake Land Dispute

According to Ireporter Online, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reacted to a recent appeal made by the Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Abuja, Sarah Omakwu, over plans to allocate the Jabi Lake recreation area for private development.

The cleric had, in a widely circulated video posted on her Instagram page on Sunday, knelt on the pulpit while appealing to the minister to reconsider the decision. She described herself as a mother in the nation and said she could not confront the FCT Minister directly but was pleading for the preservation of the recreational site.

“I cannot fight the minister of the FCT. I cannot. But I go on my knees as a mother in this land that Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should not be given to anybody,” she said.

Responding during his monthly press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike stated that he is not influenced by emotional appeals in the discharge of his official responsibilities. He questioned the basis of the opposition to the development plan, insisting that decisions are guided by governance needs and not sentiment.

The minister explained that the area in question had been previously allocated to a company for entertainment purposes but had reportedly deteriorated into an unregulated environment. He noted that the current state of the location posed security concerns and was not conducive for the intended hospitality investment.

Wike further stressed that governance decisions would continue to prioritize order, development, and public safety, rather than emotional interventions or personal appeals.