The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) against interfering in the land dispute involving the University of Abuja.
The minister spoke in a chat with journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday.
During the media chat, Wike also addressed complaints about billboard charges in Abuja, a land request by the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, infrastructure projects and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
On the UniAbuja land dispute, Wike questioned why ASUU took interest in a matter he said fell outside its responsibilities.
He dismissed claims that the union could embark on a strike over the issue.
Wike also dismissed concerns that the increased billboard charges in the FCT could disadvantage opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to him, the FCTA did not reserve advertising spaces for any particular party
“Some people go and pay for all the billboards. Do you expect me to say, ‘Keep this time for PDP, keep this for APC’?” he asked.
He added, “Billboards do not win elections. For Christ’s sake, billboards do not win elections.”
He said revenue from the charges would be used to fund projects and improve public schools in the FCT.
“I have told you I’m looking for money to do more work. I’m going to use the money to improve our schools. I’m not going to ask who paid for all this,” he said.
On the request by FMC Jabi for additional land to expand its facilities, Wike said he was unaware of previous applications by the hospital but recalled receiving a request in February, which he approved.
He said the hospital should have directed its request to the FCT Administration rather than resorting to public complaints about its land requirements.
