ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly defended the ongoing demolition of illegal structures across Abuja, reiterating his administration’s determination to restore order in the nation’s capital despite public backlash.
Speaking at the distribution of operational vehicles to security agencies at the FCTA Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, Wike stated that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) is acting within its mandate to remove properties illegally built on government lands.
“Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians and residents of Abuja, we are not afraid of blackmail.
“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 minister said.
The minister explained that some of the demolished structures posed security risks, while others encroached on government-owned lands without proper authorization.
He vowed to take decisive action against any individual or group involved in illegal land acquisition.
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“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.
“What is wrong is wrong; no amount of blackmail can stop us. People take government property without approval or documentation.”
Meanwhile, Wike’s comments coincided with a resolution by the Senate to investigate the demolitions in the FCT.
During Thursday’s plenary, Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the FCT, raised concerns over the demolition exercise and called for immediate action to halt it.
In response, the Senate set up an investigative committee chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin to probe the matter.
The committee is tasked with reviewing the demolition exercise and inviting Wike to provide an explanation for the administration’s actions.
Channels Television reports that the demolition drive has sparked protests and widespread criticism, with affected residents and advocacy groups accusing the FCTA of disregarding due process and causing hardship.
However, Wike, the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, remains unwavering, maintaining that the crackdown is necessary to restore the integrity of Abuja’s master plan.