FCT Minister Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike fielding questions from journalists during the Minister's me monthly Media Parley on Monday
By EMMANUEL KUJE, Abuja –
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has refuted allegations that the minister awarded N5 billion in contracts to local contractors, labeling the claims as “false and without evidence.”
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Olayinka challenged those making the accusations to provide official documentation proving such contract approvals.
“The claim that the Minister awarded N5 billion in contracts is baseless,” he asserted, urging accusers to “produce official documents showing such contract approvals.”
Olayinka clarified that in December 2023, a bill of approximately N10 billion was presented to Wike for outstanding payments related to projects executed by local contractors before he took office. These projects, categorized as “Shopping” or “Minor Procurement,” prompted immediate action.
“In December 2023, the Minister approved and disbursed over N5 billion, followed by an additional payment of over N5 billion in January 2024, fully settling the N10 billion outstanding,” Olayinka explained.
He revealed that three months later, another bill exceeding N15 billion was submitted under the same Minor Procurement category, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the claims.
“How can you claim to have carried out jobs worth more than N15 billion within three months without the Minister’s approval?” Olayinka questioned.
He further pressed, “From N15 billion to N8 billion and now N5 billion, on whose authority were these contracts awarded?”
Olayinka emphasized that the issue hinges on accountability, not speculation.
“Those are the questions they have to answer first,” he insisted, underscoring the need for transparency in addressing the allegations.
