A Civil Society Organisation, Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to probe the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The group said the call became imperative after Wike allegedly converted a public transport utility (National Railway Station) for mixed development.
The group in a statement issued Saturday by its national coordinator, Michael Briggs, recalled that Wike had in August 30th, 2024 approved the grant of Statutory Right of Occupancy over plot 1398 (A00) Central Area District measuring about 5.50Ha designated as Public Transport Utility (National Railway Station) to NY New Construction Limited (MISC 151329) a private company.
It added that the plot 1398 was part of the land area reserved for the development of the National Railway Complex by the Federal Ministry of Transportation/Nigerian Railway Corporation in the Federal Capital Territory.
It explained that the National Railway Station at the Central Area was planned to provide the highest level of national railway service between the FCT and other parts of the country, where seamless transfer of National Railway bound passengers, from other parts of the country to the city metro and bus system are to be achieved.
It said: “Your Excellency, the National Railway Station located in the FCT is a vital piece of national infrastructure, designed to serve thousands of commuters daily, and connecting major cities across the country.
“The recent decision by your favourite Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, to convert this public asset for private use is a matter of grave concern and raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the prioritization of public interest.
“The decision to convert the railway station was a clear violation of public trust. National railway infrastructure is a public asset held in trust by the government for the benefit of all citizens. Converting it, therefore, for private gain undermines this trust and sets a dangerous precedent.
“Your Excellency, the process leading to the decision to convert the station, has been shrouded in secrecy, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and lack of due process.
“We are still at shock of the hypocrisy of Minister Wike, who on live television accused past FCT Ministers of allocating bus terminals to a private company. Today, this same man is allocating national railway station to his cronies.”
The group, therefore, called on the President to immediately halt the conversation for a full and transparent public inquiry into the decision-making process that led to this action, adding that there are documents to backup their claims when called upon.
He said: “We know that you have duffed your hat for this “hard working Minister”, but we are appealing to you to take immediate action on this national asset and uphold the principles of public trust, transparency, and accountability”.