BREAKING: Billionaire Jack-Rich Tipped as Possible Replacement for Wike as Civil Society Group Demands Minister’s Sack

The Conference of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability (COCTA) has called for the removal of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), recommending billionaire businessman and Rivers State APC chieftain, Engineer Tein T.S. Jack-Rich, as a suitable replacement.

The demand comes in the wake of Wike’s recent confrontation with a naval officer, Lt. A.M. Yerima, during a dispute over a piece of land in Gaduwa, Abuja—an incident that has intensified criticisms of the minister’s conduct.

COCTA, in a statement issued on Saturday by its National Director of Communication & Advocacy, Comrade Haruna Abdulsalam, described Wike’s behaviour as “unacceptable” and “disrespectful” to military authorities who, it said, continue to make enormous sacrifices for national security.

The group argued that public officials are appointed to uphold the rule of law and promote the administration’s image—“not to harass or intimidate those performing their constitutional duties.”

Accusations of Land Mismanagement

The organisation also raised fresh allegations of widespread malpractice in the management of FCT lands, echoing previous reports accusing Wike of “suspicious revocation of land allocations” allegedly to favour family members and friends of influential individuals.

According to COCTA, evidence exists to show the conversion of hundreds of green areas into private estates, hotels, and shopping plazas. The group further alleged that lands reserved for public institutions—such as hospitals—were sold to private developers, sometimes for billions of naira and paid in foreign currency.

“We urgently call on the President to establish a transparent and independent panel to investigate the alleged conversion of hundreds of green areas in the Federal Capital Territory into residential estates, hotels, and shopping plazas,” the statement read.

COCTA also urged President Bola Tinubu to appoint a panel to investigate alleged irregularities in land allocations, including the revocation and resale of public properties.

Group Recommends Jack-Rich as Replacement

As part of its recommendations, the civil society organisation proposed Engineer Tein T.S. Jack-Rich—a billionaire oil and gas investor and well-known philanthropist—as Wike’s possible replacement.

Describing him as “a distinguished son of Rivers State” and “a proud member of the APC,” COCTA said Jack-Rich possesses the leadership qualities, urban development experience, and public-service record required for the FCT Minister role.

“His remarkable track record of service, coupled with his deep understanding of community needs, urban development, and public service, makes him a strong contender for this critical position,” the group stated. It highlighted his contributions to education, healthcare, and empowerment programmes across Nigeria as evidence of his commitment to the masses.

Call for Accountability

The group insisted that accountability in FCT administration was necessary to protect the capital’s green spaces and public assets.

“We demand accountability, transparency, and justice in the management of FCT’s resources, and we will continue to advocate for the rights of Nigerians to a sustainable and equitable urban environment,” COCTA declared.

The presidency has not yet responded to the group’s demands.