The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stood by the ongoing demolition of properties in Abuja, asserting that he will not be influenced by blackmail.
Wike emphasized that the buildings being demolished by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) were illegally constructed on government-owned land.
Speaking during the handover of operational vehicles to security agencies at the FCTA Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, December 12, the minister reiterated his commitment to enforcing the law.
“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.”
Recently, the FCTA has ramped up efforts to demolish structures it considers illegal, including those in estates and informal settlements across Abuja.
Wike explained that some of these buildings pose security threats, while others are constructed on government-owned land without authorization.
Despite facing protests and criticism, Wike has firmly stated that there will be no reversal of the action and pledged to continue targeting more illegal buildings and shanties in the city.
“We would stop anybody who thinks they will take government land for whatever reason with formal approval. We would not look at your face. If you like be a civil rights activist or a television personality,” Wike added.
“What is wrong is wrong; no amount of blackmail can stop us. People take government property without approval or documentation.”
Wike made his remarks on the same day the Senate initiated an investigation into the ongoing demolitions in the FCT, establishing a committee to examine the matter.
This action came after a motion was introduced by Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the FCT.
She expressed concerns over the demolitions and called for a halt to the process.
In response, the Senate set up an investigative committee led by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau to look into the demolitions.
The committee is also expected to invite Wike to the Senate to provide an explanation for the demolitions taking place in the capital.
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