The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the ongoing demolition of properties in Abuja, vowing to press on despite backlash.
Speaking on Thursday during the distribution of operational vehicles to security agencies at the FCTA Secretariat, Wike insisted that the demolitions target illegal structures on government lands.
“Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians and residents of Abuja, we are not afraid of blackmailing,” Wike said. “In fact, you cannot be in this kind of position and say you cannot be blackmailed, particularly as regards this Abuja. There are so many land grabbers. Some of us have come to put our feet down. Let heaven fall. It is even better that heaven comes down now so that we would not be fasting again to go to heaven.”
The Federal Capital Development Authority has intensified efforts to remove what it calls illegal structures, including shanties and estates, across the FCT.
Wike argued that some of the structures pose security risks, while others were built without proper approval or on lands belonging to the government. He assured residents that the administration would not back down, regardless of protests or criticism.
“We would stop anybody who thinks they will take government land for whatever reason without formal approval. We would not look at your face. If you like, be a civil rights activist or a television personality,” he stated.
“What is wrong is wrong; no amount of blackmail can stop us. People take government property without approval or documentation.”
The Senate has responded to the demolitions by ordering a probe into the exercise. On the same day as Wike’s comments, the Senate set up a committee led by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin to investigate the demolitions.
The motion, sponsored by FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe, expressed concerns about the impact of the demolitions and called for their suspension.
The committee is expected to invite Wike to explain the reasons behind the demolitions and provide clarity on the government’s actions in the capital.
Despite the criticisms and Senate investigation, Wike remains resolute, asserting that the demolitions are necessary to enforce order and reclaim government property.
