Wike defies Tinubu’s order, FIRS operations disrupted again

DDM News

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has come under fire for allegedly disregarding President Bola Tinubu’s directive by disrupting operations at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for the second consecutive day.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that despite a presidential order halting enforcement actions against property owners in Abuja over unpaid ground rents, FCTA officials returned to the FIRS headquarters on Tuesday, causing what eyewitnesses described as mayhem.

Arabinrin Aderonke, the Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji, made the claims public via social media.

She accused FCTA operatives of assaulting staff and interfering with operations, even though the FIRS is not among the listed defaulters.

“Despite PBAT’s [President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s] directive yesterday, asking FCTA to give defaulters a 14-day grace period, and despite the fact that FIRS is not a defaulter, FCTA officials returned to the FIRS headquarters to cause mayhem,” Aderonke posted on X (formerly Twitter).

She further alleged that her colleague, the Special Assistant on Protocol to the FIRS Chairman, was physically assaulted by an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

According to her, the aide was left with bruises and bloodied after the attack.

The incident has triggered outrage on social media, where many Nigerians have condemned the FCTA’s actions.

“This madness must stop,” wrote one user, @YoungLobzy.

Another user, @mamatii001, commented, “This is extreme! The minister needs to call them to order. Too bad.”

The controversy began after Mr. Wike ordered the sealing of several properties in Abuja, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters, due to alleged non-payment of ground rents and related charges.

President Tinubu intervened shortly after the move, halting further action and granting a 14-day grace period for affected property owners to settle their obligations and update their documentation.

Despite the president’s directive, FCTA officials reportedly resumed enforcement operations, targeting the FIRS among other entities.

Observers say this development raises serious concerns about inter-agency coordination and respect for presidential authority within Nigeria’s federal system.

In a statement issued by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration in the FCT, Mr. Wike urged property owners to ensure the timely payment of ground rents and related fees, citing the need to fund vital development projects in the territory.

However, critics argue that the enforcement measures, especially those allegedly directed at non-defaulters like the FIRS, are excessive and unlawful.

The FIRS plays a critical role in generating non-oil revenue for the federal government, and any disruption to its operations could undermine economic stability.

Analysts say the face-off highlights growing tensions within the Tinubu administration, particularly concerning the conduct and autonomy of top political appointees like Mr. Wike.

While Wike has received praise for his focus on land reform and revenue collection, many view his methods as overbearing and politically motivated.

Legal experts suggest that if the FIRS was wrongly targeted, the agency and affected individuals may be entitled to seek redress through legal or administrative processes.

Efforts to obtain an official response from Mr. Wike or his media team were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

FIRS officials also declined to comment further, stating only that the issue has been escalated to the appropriate authorities.

The incident adds to the ongoing debate over the balance between revenue enforcement and administrative discretion in the FCT.

It also revives concerns about internal political rivalries within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), where Wike, a former PDP governor, remains a controversial figure despite his prominent role in the current administration.

Political analysts say President Tinubu’s ability to maintain discipline among his cabinet members will be a major test of his leadership in the coming months.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) will continue monitoring this story and provide verified updates as new details emerge.

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