Wike Defiant at IBB Golf Club: ‘We Won’t Be Intimidated!’ as Dongban-Mensem wants Club to Align with Tinubu’s Agenda
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that no amount of blackmail will deter him from fulfilling his mandate to transform the nation’s capital and restore order to its institutions.
Wike, who made this statement on Saturday during an inspection visit to the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja, said he remains committed to revitalising the club and restoring its lost glory.
Visiting the club for the first time amid a leadership crisis that has disrupted its operations, the former Rivers State governor expressed his determination to enforce government’s authority and protect its interests.
“We will not allow anybody to take what belongs to the Federal Government. No amount of blackmail will change me. If anyone moves to sabotage me, I will take you out,” Wike said emphatically.
He defended the appointment of an interim management committee to oversee the affairs of the club, stressing that government had to intervene due to poor management.
“Government is not a good manager, which is why we appointed an interim committee. But that does not mean you can take over the club because you were appointed to manage it,” he added.
Wike also revealed plans to commence phased renovations of the facility, starting with the clubhouse, and directed the management to ensure compliance with statutory obligations such as ground rent payments.
“We will invite Julius Berger, the original builder of the club, to begin the renovation in phases. I will seal the club if the ground rent is not paid,” he warned.
In her remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, appealed for urgent government intervention in the affairs of the club.
“The club needs urgent intervention to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda. Reviving this facility will not only support economic growth but also position Nigeria as a tourism destination and enhance our global image,” she stated.
The IBB Golf and Country Club, once considered Nigeria’s most prestigious golfing venue, was recently shut down indefinitely due to an internal crisis over governance, including the appointment of a new Board of Trustees and proposed constitutional amendments.
