Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has responded to an appeal by Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Sarah Omakwu, over the proposed development around the Jabi Lake recreation area in Abuja.
Pastor Omakwu had earlier appealed to the minister in a video shared on Instagram, where she knelt while urging him not to allocate the recreational area for private development.
According to her, the Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should remain protected and not be handed over to individuals or private interests.
Reacting during his monthly media briefing in Abuja, Wike said he is not influenced by emotions while carrying out his responsibilities.
He stressed that governance decisions must be based on public interest and proper urban planning.
The minister questioned claims suggesting that the recreation area belonged to any individual or group.
Wike explained that the location had previously been allocated to a company for entertainment purposes but alleged that the area had gradually turned into a cluster of shanties.
According to him, the situation raised security concerns and negatively affected the environment around nearby facilities, including hotels.
He stated that authorities cannot allow areas meant for development and recreation to deteriorate into unsafe spaces.
The comments have generated reactions online, with supporters arguing for urban renewal while critics continue to express concerns over the future of public recreational spaces in the FCT.
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