The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed frustration over wealthy Abuja residents who refuse to pay ground rent, stating that these "high and mighty" individuals act as if they are above the law.

Speaking during his monthly media parley in Abuja on Monday, Wike urged Nigerians to pray for him daily as he deals with influential individuals who evade their tax responsibilities.

"How many poor people live in Maitama, Wuse? The rich men will hire people to go to the press to talk as if they are talking on behalf of the poor people," Wike questioned.

The minister highlighted the disparity in property ownership across Abuja's upscale neighborhoods, asking rhetorically, "Ask yourself this question, mention how many people will own a house in Maitama here? How many poor people have business in Maitama, Central Business Area, Wuse, and Gariki?"

Wike emphasized the critical role of tax collection in governance, drawing parallels with advanced nations where tax evasion is treated with utmost seriousness. "Every government has funding problems and that's why in advanced countries they don't joke with the issue of taxes. You can even go free with murder cases than tax evasion," he stated.

The minister described the challenges faced by his administration in enforcing compliance among influential property owners. "You should be praying for people like us everyday because of what we see and pass through. When we take decisions to do the right thing, you see all things of comment but you should take the pains to ask questions when you see the high and mighty who think that they are above the law," Wike added.

This statement comes amid ongoing efforts by the FCT administration to recover outstanding ground rent from property owners in Abuja, with previous warnings that defaulting properties would be sealed regardless of their owners' status.

The ground rent collection drive is part of the administration's strategy to boost internally generated revenue for infrastructure development and service delivery in the nation's capital.

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