recalls that Omakwu made the plea in a video posted on her Instagram page on Sunday, where she was seen kneeling on the pulpit while passionately addressing the minister.

In her appeal, the cleric said she was not in a position to confront the FCT minister but chose instead to plead with him as a mother concerned about the country.

She said, “I cannot fight the minister of the FCT. I cannot. But I go on my knees as a mother in this land that Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should not be given to anybody.”

Responding during his monthly press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike stated that emotional appeals would not influence his decisions in office.

According to him, leadership requires tough decisions, and while not everyone may agree with government actions, what matters is the overall public interest.

“I’m human in this government and you don’t expect everybody to be happy, if majority are happy, then I’m happy. Some people don’t understand what’s going on, you should ask questions,” Wike said.

Addressing the pastor’s kneeling appeal directly, the minister questioned the basis of the emotional plea, insisting that ownership of Jabi Lake does not belong to any individual.

“You talk about the woman kneeling down and begging, I’m not carried away by such emotions, begging to do what? Who owns Jabi Lake?

“How does it becomes your own? First of all, I came on board that place was given to a company that said they want to turn it to an entertainment place but they have turned it into shanties.”

Wike further explained that his concerns were driven by the current state of the area, which he said had deteriorated and could pose security risks.

“One of these days I went there and said this can’t be, there is a hotel and who would come to stay in that hotel when there are shanties all over. You don’t know if there are criminals,” he added.

reports that Wike made the remarks during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, where he voiced concern over what he described as the governor’s misplaced focus.

According to the former Rivers governor, Fubara has not yet presented the state budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly, a move he said raises serious concerns about the administration’s commitment to governance.

Wike argued that rather than concentrating on crucial state responsibilities, Fubara appears more focused on securing a second term in office.

He warned that the continued delay in budget submission could disrupt government operations and affect the delivery of vital services to Rivers residents.

“The governor is yet to submit his budget to the House of Assembly but he is busy running for second term ambition,” Wike said.

Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Bode George, has accused Wike of exerting influence over the selection of governorship candidates for both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP in Rivers State.

George described the situation as disturbing, cautioning that such political interference could further deepen instability within the PDP and negatively impact Nigeria’s broader political climate if left unchecked.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Wednesday, George expressed concern over the prolonged internal crisis rocking the PDP, describing the current situation as unprecedented.

He also criticised certain party members, especially those aligned with Wike’s camp, for allegedly disregarding the party’s constitution, internal procedures, and established rules.

Momodu noted that the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections remains unpredictable, with shifting alliances and changing opposition dynamics likely to shape the race.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Momodu reacted to Obi’s recent departure from the ADC to the New Democratic Congress (NDC), explaining that while the move was influenced by legal disputes within the ADC, it also reflected deeper cracks within the broader opposition coalition.

According to him, an open primary contest would not automatically favour Atiku.

“There is no guarantee that Atiku will defeat Obi at the primaries because they are going to throw it open,” Momodu said.

He added that Obi’s decision to leave was entirely his choice and wished him success in testing his political strength elsewhere.

“Obi has chosen to go, and it’s his decision. I wish him the very best in testing his popularity elsewhere,” he stated.

Momodu also argued that Atiku should not be pressured to step aside simply because of political calculations suggesting that Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso could form a stronger alliance.

“You cannot force Atiku out for a man just because he claims that if he and Kwankwaso come together, the election is over by noon,” he said.

He stressed that all aspirants should be allowed to independently prove their political relevance, while emphasizing that elections are ultimately determined by numerical strength.

“It’s crucial to let others test their popularity elsewhere. But it’s equally important to recognize that the election is a game of numbers,” Momodu added.

When asked about Obi’s possible influence on the 2027 presidential contest, Momodu remained measured, acknowledging that political realities are evolving and questioning whether Atiku could still command the same level of support he enjoyed in previous election cycles.