The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has vowed to press ahead with demolitions of illegal structures in Abuja, despite mounting criticism and protests.
Speaking on Thursday during the distribution of operational vehicles to security agencies at the FCTA Secretariat, Wike made it clear that he would not be swayed by those attempting to stop the demolitions.
“We are not afraid of blackmailing,” Wike said, referring to critics who have raised concerns about the demolitions.
He emphasized that the properties being demolished were illegally built on government lands, and the action was necessary to maintain order and security in the capital city.
“Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians and residents of Abuja, we are not afraid of blackmailing,” he declared.
Wike also made it clear that he would not back down, no matter the pressure.
“In fact, you cannot be in this kind of position and say you cannot be blackmailed, particularly with regards to this Abuja,” he said. “There are so many land grabbers. Some of us have come to put our feet down. Let heaven fall.”
The demolitions have sparked anger and protests from affected residents, some of whom have accused the government of unfairly targeting low-income housing areas.
But Wike insisted that the action was necessary for the greater good.
“It is even better that heaven comes down now so that we would not be fasting again to go to heaven,” he said, suggesting that the current tough measures would prevent future problems.
The demolitions, which have been ongoing for months, are part of a larger effort to clear unauthorized buildings, estates, and shanties in Abuja.
According to Wike, many of the structures pose serious security risks, while others have been illegally built on government-owned land.
“We would stop anybody who thinks they will take government land for whatever reason with formal approval,” Wike warned. “We would not look at your face. If you like, be a civil rights activist or a television personality.”
The statement is likely to intensify the debate surrounding the demolitions, which have drawn sharp reactions from some quarters. Critics argue that many of the affected structures were built in good faith, with residents believing they had proper approvals.
But Wike made it clear that he was not swayed by such arguments.
“What is wrong is wrong; no amount of blackmail can stop us,” he said. “People take government property without approval or documentation.”
The FCTA has claimed that the demolitions are part of an effort to bring order to the city and eliminate unapproved developments that have grown in recent years.
However, the demolitions have not gone unnoticed by lawmakers. On the same day as Wike’s comments, the Nigerian Senate ordered an investigation into the ongoing demolitions.
Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the Senate, raised concerns over the impact of the demolitions on Abuja’s residents. She called for an immediate stop to the demolitions until a full investigation could be carried out.
In response, the Senate set up a committee to probe the issue, with Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau appointed to lead the investigation.
The committee will investigate the reasons for the demolitions and look into the legality of the actions taken by the FCTA. The committee is also expected to invite Wike to explain the government’s position and reasoning.
Wike’s comments and the Senate’s decision to investigate the matter have brought the ongoing demolitions to the forefront of national debate. The situation has raised broader questions about land ownership, urban development, and government authority in the FCT.
The demolitions are not the first to occur under Wike’s leadership. As the former governor of Rivers State, he was known for his firm stance on enforcing government policies, especially in the areas of land management and urban development.
Since his appointment as the FCT Minister, Wike has continued to demonstrate the same approach, particularly with regard to tackling illegal land grabs in Abuja.
Many see his stance as necessary to restore order in the city, while others argue that it is too harsh and disproportionate, affecting vulnerable citizens who have invested in what they believed to be legitimate housing.
In addition to the investigation by the Senate, various civil society groups have expressed concerns about the demolitions, calling for a more compassionate approach to addressing the issue of illegal land use.
Despite the controversy, Wike has remained resolute.
“Let heaven fall,” he said once again, underscoring his determination to continue with the demolitions until illegal structures are removed from the FCT.
