Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory minister, Nyesom Wike, has sparked controversy after a tense exchange with a reporter from Channels Television over land allocations in the capital.
During the encounter, Wike questioned the focus on a publicised list of beneficiaries, suggesting the scrutiny was selective. “Have you seen the list of those to whom we allocated land? It’s because these ones became public,” he said.
The minister went further, alleging that several staff members of the broadcaster had also benefited from land allocations. “Do you know how many people working at Channels TV that have land?” he asked, before challenging the premise of the interview itself.
“Did you come here to interview for free? I am not going to pay for the live interview,” Wike added, in remarks that have since drawn reactions across media and political circles.
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between public officials and the press in Nigeria, particularly around issues of transparency, accountability, and the relationship between media organisations and those in power.
