\n\n
The Northern Christian Association has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over controversial remarks he made during the ongoing dispute surrounding land development at Jabi Lake in Abuja. The group said public officials must exercise authority with humility and avoid statements capable of offending religious sensibilities or portraying leaders as being above accountability to God. 
The backlash followed comments credited to Wike during a media chat in which he dismissed emotional appeals against the redevelopment of Jabi Lake. Responding to a viral video showing Abuja pastor Sarah Omakwu kneeling and pleading with him to halt the project, the minister reportedly said he was “not carried away by emotions” and added that even if “God comes down,” the government would proceed with its plans. Wike defended the decision by arguing that the land belongs to the government and had previously been poorly managed and converted into shanties. 
Reacting in a statement issued in Kaduna, the chairman of the association, Rev. Joseph Hayab, urged Wike to reflect on the concerns raised by Nigerians and apologise to those offended by the remarks. Hayab stated that while government has the constitutional authority to manage land and enforce regulations, leaders must ensure their words promote peace, unity, and respect in a religiously diverse country like Nigeria. 
The association stressed that its intervention was not politically motivated but rooted in moral and faith-based concerns about responsible public conduct. The controversy has continued to generate nationwide debate, especially following viral footage of the emotional appeal by Pastor Omakwu and the FCT Administration’s broader crackdown on undeveloped or allegedly misused lands in Abuja. 
