You Are Grabbing Land For Friends – Adeyanju Fires Back At Wike
Abuja-based lawyer, Deji Adeyanju has strongly criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accusing him of land grabbing and targeting poor communities for personal gain.
The former governor of Rivers State recounted that he had previously turned down Adeyanju’s request to become the Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike had stated, “I saw one young man, they call him Adeyanju. He is from Kogi State. This young man came to me wanting to be the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, and I said no. He won’t be, and he was not. I have no regrets about it. He has suddenly become a civil society activist. He has no job, and that’s why he decided to turn to civil society activism.”
However, Adeyanju, speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, insisted that Wike’s policies in the Federal Capital Territory have caused widespread harm, particularly in land acquisition, where vulnerable communities are allegedly displaced to benefit Wike’s allies.
Adeyanju also described Wike’s leadership style as authoritarian, asserting that the former governor retaliates harshly against criticism and often resorts to demolitions without due process.
He pointed to Wike’s disregard for the law, particularly in his actions regarding land demolitions and the Ruga community project, which Adeyanju claimed lacked proper legal backing. He emphasized that bulldozing homes without warning or legal procedure is a violation of justice and criminalizes poverty.
While Adeyanju made it clear that he has no political aspirations, he also discussed his past involvement with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), where he faced Wike’s ire for challenging his decisions and opposing Wike’s support for certain candidates, such as Uche Secondus.
Adeyanju noted that despite his past criticisms, he had been in frequent communication with Wike over the years, but his critiques led to the breakdown of their relationship.
Adeyanju also revealed that he resigned from politics in 2016, citing his disillusionment with corruption within the system. He shared that during his time in the PDP, he was vocal in opposing what he saw as Wike’s manipulative tactics.
The lawyer further accused Wike of betraying political allies, including former President Goodluck Jonathan and Rotimi Amaechi, and warned that President Bola Tinubu might face similar treatment from Wike in the future.
In a broader commentary on Nigerian politics, Adeyanju condemned the tendency of political figures to disregard due process and fair treatment. He praised the actions of Governor Sim Fubara for confronting Wike and urged him to stand firm against what he described as Wike’s “god complex.”
Adeyanju reaffirmed his commitment to activism, stressing despite the personal costs, he will continue to fight for justice and hold politicians accountable for their actions.
Adeyanju, said: “Our only ‘crime’ is choosing to challenge Wike and constructively criticize some of his detrimental, anti-people policies in the FCT, particularly regarding land-grabbing from the poor for his friends. Everyone knows I resigned from politics eight years ago. He allegedly claimed I begged him to be the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, but this occurred before my resignation. Since then, I have faced imprisonment, harassment, and street assaults. Nyesom Wike has often called me over the years. Despite maintaining communication, he often ends our friendship when I criticize him. He dislikes criticism.
“During my active political years, I met all PDP governors. Consultation with party leaders isn’t begging, and Wike never directly told me he wouldn’t support me. In fact, he supported me twice. When he introduced Ali Modu Sheriff, we opposed it, seeing it as selfish. He insisted he was right until Sheriff proved otherwise, leaving Wike regretful. Nine years ago, when the PDP planned a national convention, I considered running for National Publicity Secretary, as it was zoned to my area, North-Central. Unlike Wike, I have never held public office. I was a trader before politics, and now I am doing well as a lawyer. What is Wike’s second career outside politics? He lacks one.
“Whenever challenged, Wike retaliates. I have evidence for my claims. He has a god complex. Elders should be confidantes, not expose secrets. Even if I had begged him, should he bring it up nine years later? I consulted all PDP stakeholders when I sought roles and received endorsements. My state caucus even asked competitors to step down for me at the Port-Harcourt convention. The G-5 governors endorsed me, which you can verify. I disagreed with Wike when he switched his support from Jimi Agbaje to his kinsman, Uche Secondus, seeking control. Wike prefers working with those he can manipulate, which explains his rift with Governor Sim Fubara. I commend Governor Fubara for confronting him.
“I was first arrested as an activist at 17. For over three decades, I have risked my life criticizing the government. Former President Muhammadu Buhari arrested me over 11 times in 8 years. I have no political interest anymore, having realized they can’t change or follow rules. Even within the PDP, I was a critic, and Wike can confirm this. We regularly talk, but that won’t stop me from criticizing him when necessary.
“I have praised Wike for his good actions, but when he reneged on his promise to support Jimi Agbaje, we opposed him. Wike never directly opposed my bid for National Publicity Secretary. In fact, he promised his support. I resigned from politics and the PDP voluntarily, and figures like Gabriel Suswam and Sule Lamido can confirm they urged me to stay. I joined politics in 2011 for Goodluck Jonathan and left in 2016, wanting no part in its corruption. My record speaks for itself. I’ve sacrificed greatly, facing imprisonment for my convictions. Wike has allegedly betrayed many who helped him, including Goodluck Jonathan and Rotimi Amaechi. He may do the same to President Bola Tinubu, who wisely maintains a cautious distance.
“If Wike had followed due process, things might have been different. He has a reputation for ignoring legal procedures, especially concerning the Ruga community and other demolitions. If he had adhered to the law, I would have advised him on the proper steps to take before starting demolitions. Instead, he acted rashly, demolishing homes without warning, which shows a lack of respect for due process.
“It’s like dealing with Buhari’s government, which is unreasonable and uses force against protesters. Remember how many Shia Muslims were killed under Buhari? Engaging with such a government seems futile because they are irrational. However, we achieved our goal by getting him to back down. People are being relocated, and in this case, it’s a victory for us.
“If Wike repeats his actions, I’ll respond the same way. My strategy is to intimidate him, and it’s been effective. If he targets poor communities again, I’ll ensure justice is served, as everyone deserves due process. Bulldozing homes without legal proceedings is unjust; it criminalizes poverty. Historically, there have always been poor among us, and we must support them rather than exploit their situation.
“Regarding the political situation in Rivers State, nothing Fubara does will make Wike back down. Wike is known for his authoritarian approach and does not compromise. The governor has tried multiple times to reach a middle ground. The solution is for the governor to confront Wike directly. Wike dislikes being challenged and becomes unsettled when he is.
“The law is clear that defectors lose their seats. The Supreme Court has settled this, despite attempts to overturn it in lower courts. Fubara should stand up to Wike, who is not invincible. Wike’s god complex, where he acts as if his word is law, is problematic. The same treatment Wike gave to his supporters will apply to Tinubu, who won’t be an exception.
“Wike claims to be the Oracle of the PDP, deciding who gets what. Yet, he couldn’t secure the PDP presidential candidacy for himself. If he truly had such power, why was he unable to make himself the presidential candidate in the last primaries?
“Three key elements constitute the independence of the judiciary. First, the judiciary must be free from executive interference. Second, it must be free from legislative interference. Third, it must be free from interference by private individuals. Any attempt to compromise the judiciary through government, legislative, or private interference means it is not independent. Judges must avoid any form of impropriety, such as accepting gifts from litigants with ongoing cases, as this undermines the judiciary’s integrity and impartiality.
“Politically exposed persons should not be involved in the judiciary. For instance, media restrictions in courtrooms prevent the identification of judges, reducing the risk of compromising their impartiality. Concerns arise when politically connected individuals, like having a politician’s spouse as a judge, interact with influential figures, risking potential bias.
“In this country, we’ve seen incidents where a judge’s spouse boasted about influencing judicial outcomes. Appointing non-politicians and avoiding nepotism in judicial appointments can minimize such compromises. This is why citizens are increasingly critical of the judiciary. The Constitution clearly states that sovereignty belongs to the people, and the judiciary should not be above criticism.
“Regarding activism, it is not the exclusive domain of a select few. Anyone can be an activist, whether as a journalist or through other platforms. In my own capacity, I strive for societal change, and though I’m not perfect, I aim to make a difference. For instance, I’ve managed to provoke reactions from political figures, forcing them to engage with communities.
“Activism comes at a personal cost, but I remain committed to it. Regardless of who is involved, I will continue to advocate for justice. The consequences of one’s actions, like those of certain political figures, will eventually catch up with them. Actions such as property demolitions and favoritism will be accounted for, whether now or later. Making them explain their actions is already a personal victory for me, and I am determined to continue this work.”