Wike: “I didn’t buy a 300-meter bulletproof SUV.”

He clarified that the Permanent Secretary, Adesola Olusade, had informed him upon his return that the ministers would be using automobiles owned by the FCTA.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has denied rumors that he bought an armored Lexus LX600 SUV for ₦300 million when he took office.

Shortly after visiting the Abuja Metro Train Station on Wednesday to observe the ongoing repair of the Abuja Rail Mass Transport System, Wike made the reply.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a photo of an armored Lexus SUV model LX 600 with a “FCT – 01” plate had been released by several media outlets.

The SUV, which reportedly cost more over ₦300 million, was allegedly owned by Nyesom Wike, the newly appointed minister of the FCT.

Wike, though, denied the allegation and called it “mischief,” emphasizing that he had only been sworn in on Monday and had not yet begun working.

He said that all he did was talk to employees and that he and the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory went to the Metro Train Station in Abuja on Wednesday to take a look around.

“We are returning to the Federal Capital Territory Administration office to meet with all of the departments.

“However, I’ve read on social media how the FCTA Permanent Secretary paid ₦300 million for the bulletproof car I drive.

“Now, I want everyone to go hit their hand on the automobile there to check if it has been treated or not.

He remarked, “With all due respect, people should exercise caution not to destroy other people.”

He clarified that the Permanent Secretary, Adesola Olusade, had informed him upon his return that the ministers would be using automobiles owned by the FCTA.

And this is the vehicle we drive (pointing at a standard Lexus SUV).

“I have never authorized the purchase of an automobile and I have never driven an official bulletproof vehicle.

“As FCT Minister, I am not driving a bulletproof automobile, so let’s report the appropriate thing and not blow ourselves up.

He questioned the reporters there, saying, “I want you to look at the car I came with, the one with the flag, and see whether it is a bullet proof car.”

Relatedly, Anthony Ogunleye, Director Press, Office of the Minister, refuted reports from certain media outlets that Wike intends to demolish 6,000 homes in 30 Abuja communities, including Wadata Plaza.

“We want to be clear that these rumors are completely untrue and unfounded,” Ogunleye declared.

He clarified that on August 22, a national daily newspaper published an article about the demolition of 6,000 residences, with the headline, “Abuja land: FG may revoke land allocations, demolish 6000 buildings, slums.”

In addition, he mentioned that a different major newspaper had run an article he called “irritating” with the headline “Wadata Plaza will go down, Reactions trail Wike’s demolition threat.”

For the avoidance of doubt, the Minister did not specify the locations or the quantity of unlawful homes that needed to be demolished in any of his statements.

Instead, he has consistently emphasized that the removal of unlawful colonies and constructions would benefit the general population.

“Equally vexing” is the headline from a credible broadcast station that quotes the FCT Minister, claiming, “I will fix Abuja in 6 days.”

We would like to make it very clear that the Honourable Minister never said anything or made any kind of hint about it. Thus, this headline is solely intended for fun,” he stated.

Press secretary: sensational reporting like this misleads the public and distorts the important role factual, well-researched journalism plays in society.