Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of allegedly allocating parts of the Jabi Lake Park in Abuja for private development.
Sowore made the allegation during a visit to the recreational centre alongside members of the Take It Back Movement, where he claimed that portions of the public park were being taken over for personal and commercial purposes.
According to him, the land was originally designated as a public relaxation and recreational facility for residents of the Federal Capital Territory and should remain accessible to ordinary Nigerians.
The activist further announced plans for a protest aimed at resisting what he described as the illegal conversion of public green areas into private properties. Protesters also displayed banners demanding the protection of the park from alleged encroachment.
Residents, traders, and recreational users who spoke during the gathering expressed concern over the development, insisting that the park serves as a major relaxation centre, exercise ground, and source of livelihood for many families and small business owners in Abuja.
Some stakeholders noted that the park has, over the years, provided emotional relief, social interaction, and economic opportunities for residents, especially amid growing economic hardship.
Sowore maintained that public spaces and environmental centres within the FCT should be preserved for community use rather than converted into private estates or commercial structures.
The allegations have continued to generate reactions, although no official response had been issued at the time of filing this report.