Flooding occurs in parts of Abuja after heavy rainfall on Saturday, prompting criticism directed at FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Wike, responds to the backlash by saying the flooding is not caused by Wike and is not new to the capital.
Olayinka says flooding has affected Abuja in earlier years, citing incidents in areas such as Wuse, Jabi, Lokogoma (2019) and Lokogoma, Efab Estate, Gudu and some connecting bridges (2022). He argues the latest flooding is linked to Abuja’s rapid expansion, which increases pressure on drainage and other infrastructure, and to seasonal rainfall patterns. He also points to waste and enforcement issues, including claims that scavengers remove drainage covers and expose drains to refuse.
Across the reports, the main emphasis is the aide’s defense of the FCT Administration: acknowledging that heavy rain causes flooding in some areas but stating that water later recedes. Both outlets also note that the administration says it is taking steps to reduce future risk, including reviewing the Abuja Master Plan and introducing drainage covers designed to be harder to remove.
