|By Adejumo Adekunle-
-Wike Warns Saboteurs as Abuja Golf Club Faces Sanction
–FCT Minister Vows to Seal Club Over Unpaid Ground Rent
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will not bow to intimidation or blackmail in the course of transforming the FCT, warning that he will “take out” anyone attempting to sabotage his work.
Wike issued the warning on Saturday during an inspection visit to the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, where he also pledged to restore the iconic facility to its former glory.
“We will not allow anybody to take what belongs to the federal government. No amount of blackmail will change me. If anyone moves to sabotage me, I will take you out,” Wike said defiantly.
The minister’s visit comes on the heels of a crisis within the Abuja Golf Club, which led to its indefinite shutdown over structural reforms. The federal government had earlier appointed an interim management committee to handle the club’s affairs — a move that sparked controversy.
“Government is not a good manager, hence why we appointed the interim management committee. You can’t take over the club because we appointed you to manage the club,” Wike explained.
He assured that the clubhouse would be renovated, and announced plans to invite Julius Berger, the original builders of the facility, to commence phased reconstruction. However, he made it clear that failure to pay ground rent would result in the club being sealed.
“We will invite Julius Berger, who originally built this club, to see how we can begin the renovation in phases. I will seal the club if the ground rent is not paid,” he warned.
Wike reiterated that Abuja must survive on tax revenue, not federal allocation, and urged all institutions within the FCT to fulfill their obligations to the government.
Responding, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, Chairperson of the Club’s Board of Trustees, appealed for Wike’s intervention in resolving the ongoing crisis. She assured that once fully renovated, the club would contribute meaningfully to the local economy and tourism.
“The club will boost the economy when it’s back in shape. We appeal for your support and continued intervention,” she said.
