Channels Television has challenged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to publicly release the names of journalists allegedly allocated lands in Abuja.

The position of the station was conveyed in an official rebuttal read on Thursday by its anchor, Kayode Okikiolu, who dismissed claims made by the minister regarding land allocations and media engagements.

Okikiolu clarified that land allocated to Channels Television in Abuja dates back to 2007 under a previous FCT administration, stressing that the allocation was for commercial purposes and that all statutory payments related to the property had been duly settled.

He also addressed allegations that the station profits from its periodic interviews with Wike, explaining that such broadcasts involve significant operational costs. According to him, Outside Broadcasting Vans and other technical equipment are deployed for the sessions, which often run for extended periods and require paid airtime.

The station, therefore, urged the minister to substantiate his claims by making public the identities of journalists he alleged were beneficiaries of land allocations in the Federal Capital Territory.

The development signals a growing exchange between the media organisation and the FCT administration, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in land distribution as well as the relationship between public officials and the media.