In a surprising turn of events, Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of leaking details about the allocation of over 2,000 hectares of land allegedly given to his son. However, support for Atiku has emerged from Wike’s home base in Rivers State, where APC chieftain Eze Chukwuemeka Eze has strongly defended the former VP.

In a statement released to journalists in Port Harcourt, Eze, a known ally of Atiku and former Rivers Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, denounced Wike’s claims as baseless. He highlighted that Atiku, a seasoned statesman and retired Customs officer, has no connection to the Abuja Geographical Information System (AGIS), the agency tied to the leak. Eze questioned Wike’s decision to blame Atiku, suggesting it was an attempt to deflect from his own alleged misconduct.

Eze accused Wike of misusing his authority by purportedly allocating extensive FCT land to his sons, Jordan and Joaquin, and labeled Wike’s justifications as arrogant and incoherent. He called for Wike’s resignation or removal, arguing that such actions would warrant consequences in more accountable systems. Eze also criticized Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, for offering a weak defense, calling it an illogical effort to garner sympathy.

The APC leader further sought transparency regarding the ownership of entities like JOAQ Farms and Jordan Farms and Estates Limited, challenging the reported allocation of 3,822 hectares—valued at $6.45 billion—to Wike’s sons. He condemned Wike’s targeting of AGIS employees, including the detention of Mairiga Hassan Shaharu, and appealed to Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to free those held. Eze urged Wike to own up to his actions instead of using Atiku as a scapegoat to appease President Bola Tinubu.