Lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has criticised Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over flooding in parts of Abuja, accusing the FCT administration of allowing development on drainage channels, canals and waterways.
Adeyanju made the allegation in a post on X while reacting to the flooding witnessed in parts of the nation’s capital following heavy rainfall.
The activist blamed what he described as improper allocation of drainage channels, canals and waterways to individuals connected to politicians for the flooding and deterioration of parts of Abuja.
“FLOOD EVERYWHERE IN ABUJA,” Adeyanju wrote, accusing Wike of allocating drainage areas and waterways to cronies and political associates for estate development.
The comments came after heavy rainfall caused flooding in several parts of Abuja, reigniting concerns about drainage infrastructure, urban planning and development around waterways.
Adeyanju specifically accused the FCT administration of contributing to the deterioration of the city’s environment through its land allocation policies.
However, the criticism has been rejected by officials working with Wike.
Lere Olayinka, Wike’s media aide, responded to Adeyanju’s criticism, arguing that flooding in Abuja did not begin with Wike’s tenure as FCT minister. He pointed to issues including inadequate infrastructure, rapid urbanisation and other factors affecting drainage in the capital.
The FCT Administration has also said it is taking steps to address flooding in affected parts of Abuja.
The latest exchange has renewed the debate over Abuja’s urban planning, drainage systems and the enforcement of development regulations, particularly as heavy rainfall continues during the peak of the rainy season.
The controversy is also likely to keep attention on the FCT administration’s management of land allocation and infrastructure as the capital continues to expand.