Wike: I’ll Touch Rich Tax Defaulters, Heaven Won’t Fall

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has vowed to continue his crackdown on tax defaulters in Abuja, warning that even the wealthiest individuals or entities will not be spared. He stated firmly that “heaven will not fall” if he enforces the law against those who fail to pay their dues to the government.

Wike made this declaration while delivering the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Thursday. Speaking on the topic “Nigeria of our dreams”, he emphasized that true leadership demands the courage to take tough but necessary decisions, including confronting those who believe they are above the law.

The former Rivers State governor specifically called out affluent residents of Maitama, Asokoro, and the Central Business Area of Abuja, arguing that these wealthy individuals often shirk their tax responsibilities. “No poor man lives in Maitama or Asokoro. They are all rich men who don’t want to pay tax. You will pay. If you don’t pay, I will touch you—and heaven will not fall,” he declared to thunderous applause from the audience.

Crackdown on Defaulters: PDP Headquarters Among Properties Sealed

On Monday, May 26, 2025, Wike’s warnings translated into action as the FCT Administration Task Force sealed several properties across Abuja, including the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) located in Wuse Zone 5. The move was part of an aggressive campaign to recover unpaid ground rent and dues owed to the government.

The sealing of the PDP national secretariat sparked political outrage, especially within the party ranks. Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, described the move as “an act of irresponsibility” by the Federal Government. He accused the administration of politicizing statutory enforcement for partisan purposes.

However, Wike has refused to back down, insisting that the enforcement exercise was in line with the law and devoid of political bias. “The PDP headquarters is not exempt. If you owe, you pay. I don’t care which party you belong to. We are talking about Abuja’s development and revenue generation,” he said during the lecture.

Untouchables’ Will Be Touched: Wike Challenges Elitist Privilege

Wike’s message was clear: no individual, group, or institution would be shielded from compliance with Abuja’s tax laws. He berated what he described as a culture of impunity among the elite, many of whom see themselves as ‘untouchable’ within the system.

“I am not here for a beauty contest. I was not appointed to decorate the office. Leadership is about action, and I will act. They say, ‘Don’t touch this one, he is powerful.’ I say, ‘I will touch you if the right thing is not done,’” Wike insisted.

He further noted that the concentration of wealth and privilege in certain areas of Abuja—without a corresponding commitment to civic responsibility—undermines the FCT’s financial sustainability and development plans. According to him, tax default is not only a legal offense but also a moral failure in a city struggling to meet infrastructural needs.

On Leadership and the Nigerian Dream: Wike Laments Poor Governance

The lecture also offered Wike a platform to critique what he termed a long history of poor leadership in Nigeria. He argued that many past leaders lacked the requisite preparation, capacity, and character to manage the affairs of the nation, leading to chronic underdevelopment and institutional dysfunction.

“Some of our leaders were reluctant to lead from the start. They had no vision, no courage, no patriotism. That’s why we are still struggling with basic infrastructure, healthcare, and a functional economy,” he said.

Wike urged Nigerians to begin demanding more from those in leadership and to support individuals who demonstrate not only competence but also the courage to confront hard truths. “The Nigeria of our dreams will not happen with weak, populist leadership. We must be bold. We must be ready to challenge privilege and stand for what is right.”

Revenue Mobilization as a Tool for Development: FCT Minister Defends Policy

In defense of his administration’s aggressive revenue drive, Wike reiterated that the FCT cannot develop sustainably without expanding its internally generated revenue base. He explained that essential services such as roads, sanitation, and security require adequate funding—funds that should rightfully come from statutory fees like ground rent.

“This money is not for Wike. It is for Abuja. You want us to build roads, but you don’t want to pay your dues? That cannot work. Even in developed countries, rich people pay more to support the system,” he stated.

Wike concluded his remarks with a call for national reorientation toward civic responsibility and equity. “Let us move from entitlement to responsibility. If you want a better city, you must contribute to it. If the rich pay what they owe, the poor will live better. That is the Nigeria we should be building.”