The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the ongoing demolition of properties in Abuja, asserting that the operation targets illegal structures built on government land.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, Wike dismissed criticism of the demolition exercise as unfounded blackmail, stressing that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) is fully committed to restoring the city’s master plan.
Wike made the remarks during the distribution of operational vehicles to security agencies at the FCTA Secretariat in Abuja. “Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians and residents of Abuja, we are not afraid of blackmail,” Wike said. “In fact, you cannot be in this kind of position and say you cannot be blackmailed, particularly when it comes to Abuja. There are many land grabbers, but some of us have come to put our feet down. Let heaven fall if it must. It is better for heaven to come down now than for us to keep waiting for it.”
The recent demolition campaign has targeted structures in various estates and shantytowns within the FCT, with the FCTA asserting that these buildings either pose security risks or were illegally constructed on government property. Wike emphasized that the initiative is necessary to reclaim public lands and prevent further encroachment.
Despite facing protests and backlash from residents, Wike has vowed that the demolitions will continue without compromise. “We will stop anyone who thinks they can take government land for whatever reason, whether they have formal approval or not,” Wike said. “We will not be swayed by any influence. Whether you are a civil rights activist or a television personality, what is wrong is wrong. No amount of blackmail will deter us. People are taking government property without proper documentation.”
Wike’s statements came on the same day that the Nigerian Senate called for an investigation into the demolitions, setting up a committee to look into the issue and assess its impact. The Senate’s intervention suggests growing concerns over the scale of the demolition efforts and their potential effects on residents in Abuja. However, Wike’s position remains firm, as he insists on continuing the drive to restore order and protect government assets in the FCT.
