The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to individuals attempting to undermine his efforts at restoring order to the troubled IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja, declaring that he will not hesitate to “take out” anyone who tries to sabotage his plans.
Wike, who made the statement during his first official visit to the crisis-ridden golf club on Saturday, expressed frustration over what he described as ongoing acts of blackmail and power tussles aimed at obstructing the federal government’s intervention.
“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 pointedly.
“Government is not a good manager, hence the reason we appointed an interim management committee. You can’t take over the club simply because you were asked to manage it.”
The IBB International Golf and Country Club, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious recreational facilities, has been at the centre of a leadership crisis stemming from the appointment of a new Board of Trustees and controversial proposed amendments to its constitution.
The situation reached a tipping point recently, leading to the indefinite closure of the club.
Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State, vowed to restore the club’s lost glory, starting with a phased renovation of the facilities, beginning with the clubhouse.
“We will invite Julius Berger, who originally built this club, to handle the renovation. And let me be clear: I will not hesitate to seal the club if the ground rent is not paid,” he warned.
Reacting to the minister’s comments, the Chairman of the Club’s Board of Trustees, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, appealed for urgent government intervention.
Dongban-Mensem, who is also the President of the Court of Appeal, noted that revamping the club would not only align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda but also serve as a strategic economic and tourism asset for Nigeria.
“The intervention of this facility will improve the economy of this country. It can serve as a key part of the tourism sector and also improve Nigeria’s image within the comity of nations,” she said.
The club, located in the heart of Abuja, has long been a hub for elite social and sporting activities. However, the recent crisis has drawn attention to internal governance lapses, prompting the FCT administration to take decisive action.
Wike’s visit and hardline stance appear to signal the federal government’s determination to bring the situation under control and reposition the club as a symbol of national pride.
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