From Port Harcourt To Beijing: Wike’s Band Now Sings In Chinese, Charges More

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to raise the wages of his official music band.

Wike made the announcement on Thursday, June 2025, during the commissioning of the newly completed collector road linking Mabushi to the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe, Abuja. The road project was undertaken by a Chinese construction company.

During the event, the band’s lead vocalist captivated the audience with a humorous rendition that mimicked singing in Chinese, as a playful reference to the nationality of the project’s contractors.

Clearly amused and impressed, Wike responded by declaring that their wages would be increased, saying:
“Now that my band can sing in Chinese, I’ll increase their fees.”

The crowd erupted in laughter and applause, and the band quickly launched into another tune, playfully chanting:
“Agreement is agreement,” repeatedly mentioning Wike’s name, and closing with the phrase “Chi hu chan.”

Meanwhile, residents and property owners in the FCT are on edge as they await the next steps from the FCT Administration following the expiration of the 14-day grace period for ground rent defaulters.

The window, which ended on Monday, June 16, was granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after thousands of property titles—over 4,700—had already been revoked due to unpaid ground rents dating back as far as 43 years.

Though many affected individuals have scrambled to settle their debts—some paying fines ranging from ₦2 million to ₦5 million—uncertainty remains about what enforcement actions the administration may take next.