Why Should It Be Wrong When Others Get Land?” — Wike Fires Back At Channels TV Over Land Controversy

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the federal government’s decision to allocate land to ambassadors appointed by President Bola Tinubu, insisting that nothing improper was done in the process.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Wike also maintained that his criticism of Channels Television during a recent media chat was justified, following questions raised by journalists over the land allocations.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday during an inspection of ongoing projects in Abuja, the minister said there was nothing controversial about allocating land to media organisations, noting that such entities operate as businesses rather than charitable institutions.

He explained that media houses generate revenue through advertising, live coverage, and sponsored content, which they use to sustain operations and pay staff salaries.

According to him, if the government can allocate land to a media organisation for business purposes, then similar allocations to others should not be considered wrong.

Wike further clarified that land allocation in the FCT does not involve outright sale, adding that government provides land to support development and economic activity.

He questioned the criticism surrounding the issue, asking why land allocation should be considered acceptable for one group but unacceptable for another.

Following his remarks, Channels Television responded on Thursday, disputing Wike’s claims regarding its Abuja headquarters.

In a statement read by anchor Kayode Okikiolu, the station clarified that the land was allocated in 2007 for commercial purposes by a former FCT Minister and that all required fees had been duly paid.

The station also rejected suggestions that it profits unfairly from interviews involving the FCT Minister, explaining that significant production resources, including Outside Broadcasting Vans and airtime costs, are involved in such broadcasts.

Channels Television reaffirmed its commitment to journalistic independence, stating that it will continue to ask critical questions and uphold the credibility it has built over decades.

The station also challenged the minister to publicly release the full list of journalists allegedly allocated land in the FCT, as claimed during his remarks.