FCT minister Wike denies purchasing N300m bulletproof SUV

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike has refuted claims of purchasing a N300 million Armoured Lexus LX600 SUV on assumption to office.

Wike made the rebuttal shortly after a visit to Metro Train Station, Abuja on Wednesday to inspect ongoing rehabilitation of Abuja Rail Mass Transport System.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some sections of the media had published a picture of an Armored Lexus SUV model LX 600, fitted with ‘FCT – 01’ plate.

The reports claimed that the SUV, which cost more than N300 million, belonged to the new FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

But Wike refuted the claim, describing it as mere “mischief”, stressing that he was sworn in on Monday and had not even sat down to work yet.

He said that all he did was interact with staff and today (Wednesday), went to the Metro Train Station, Abuja with the Minister of State for FCT to see things for themselves.

“We are now going back to the office to interact with each of the departments in the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

“But I have seen what is going on in the social media, how the FCTA Permanent Secretary bought a bullet proof car of N300 million that I am using.

“So, I want you people to go hit your hand there (on the car) and see whether it is a treated car.

“With all due respect, people should be careful not to destroy other people,” he said.

He explained that when he resumed, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Adesola Olusade had told him that the FCTA has cars that the ministers would use.

“And the car we use is this (pointing at a regular Lexus SUV).

“I have never approved for any car to be bought and I have not used any official bullet proof car.

“I am not using a bullet proof car as FCT Minister, so we should report the right thing, and not destroy ourselves.

“I want you to take a look at the car I came with, the one with the flag and see whether it is a bullet proof car”, he asked the journalists at the scene.