In a move that has stirred political commentary and ignited applause from unexpected quarters, President Bola Tinubu has ordered a temporary suspension of the controversial property sealing spree in Abuja — a directive that political heavyweight Dele Momodu described as a clear signal that “Wike now knows he has a boss.
The storm began on Monday, May 26, when the Federal Capital Territory Administration, under the fiery leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, went on an aggressive sealing operation across Nigeria’s capital city.
From banks to fuel stations — and most notably, the National Secretariat of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — Wike’s task force locked up properties allegedly owing ground rent to the tune of billions of naira. Even the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) was not spared.
The operation sparked outrage and intense criticism from affected business owners and political watchers, many of whom questioned the timing and apparent political undertones of the clampdown — especially with the PDP headquarters targeted.
Amid the public uproar, President Bola Tinubu intervened.
He not only ordered an immediate pause to the enforcement but also extended a 14-day grace period to all defaulters to settle their debts.
This single act drew unexpected praise from Dele Momodu — a fierce critic of the current government — who took to Instagram to shower commendation on the President.
“THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TINUBU,” Momodu wrote from the U.S., “I just read that you have stepped in to stop the cantankerous Minister of FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, who earlier sealed the PDP national secretariat and other properties in Abuja.”
The PDP chieftain didn’t mince words in his criticism of Wike, describing him as Nigeria’s “most querulous politician” and warning that his actions could become a liability for the Tinubu administration.
While Momodu acknowledged that government obligations like ground rent must be met, he insisted that enforcement should not appear politically vindictive or excessive. “Government must always restrain itself,” he said, noting that Wike’s style has often bordered on aggressive and disruptive.
CALLING OUT POWER PLAYS:
Momodu, seizing the moment, called on Tinubu to also rein in Wike’s political escapades in Rivers State, where the FCT Minister remains locked in a prolonged, often embarrassing, power tussle with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He fired a direct shot:
“We used to think we have two Presidents in Nigeria — Tinubu and Wike. Now, we know Wike has a boss.”
In a tone laced with both relief and sarcasm, Momodu added:
“Sir, there can’t be two captains in one ship. I hope Wike got the message loud and clear.”
He contrasted Wike’s boisterous approach with what he called the humility of other ministers like Dave Umahi, accusing the FCT Minister of acting like he’s running his own federal government with endless “tautological press conferences.”
With the President’s intervention bringing temporary relief, questions still linger: Was this clampdown really about ground rent, or something deeper? And will Wike adjust his approach — or is this just another chapter in his long, controversial playbook?
As Nigerians continue to navigate hardship and tension, voices like Dele Momodu’s are making it clear — the country can’t afford parallel leadership or personal power trips.
More updates to follow as the 14-day deadline ticks away.
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