Wike’s Aide Defends FCT Administration After Heavy Rain Triggers Abuja Flooding

Flooding after a heavy downpour in Abuja has triggered fresh criticism of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

Critics blamed the flooding on the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and questioned the city’s drainage system.

However, Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, rejected the criticism and defended the administration’s response.

Olayinka said flooding in Abuja existed before Wike became FCT minister.

“It is funny that characters like this Online Baseless Lawyer, who is always looking for attention, has been shouting ‘WIKE HAS DESTROYED ABUJA’ since yesterday, as if last Saturday was the first time some areas in Abuja got flooded,” Olayinka said.

He pointed to previous flooding incidents recorded across the capital in 2019 and 2022.

“Sad reality is that Abuja has been witnessing floods long before Wike assumed office,” he said.

Olayinka described the latest incident as a sign of the pressure created by Abuja’s rapid growth.

He said drainage systems, waste management and planning rules have struggled to keep pace with the expanding city.

The official also blamed some drainage problems on scavengers who allegedly remove drainage covers.

“It is also a pointer to damages being caused by scavengers who are daily stealing drainage covers, thereby exposing the drainage to refuse,” he said.

According to Olayinka, the FCT Administration is reviewing the 1979 Abuja Master Plan.

He said the review would address the changing needs of the capital and its growing population.

The administration is also introducing drainage covers designed to make them harder to remove.

The Abuja flooding has therefore renewed debate over drainage, urban planning and waste management in the capital.

Olayinka maintained that the incident should be viewed within Abuja’s wider development challenges.

He also criticised activist Deji Adeyanju while defending Wike against claims that he had “destroyed Abuja.”