By Ayomide Otitoju
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the ongoing demolition of properties in Abuja, stating that he remains undeterred by accusations and blackmail.
Speaking during the distribution of operational vehicles to security agencies at the FCTA Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, Wike justified the actions of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), emphasizing that the demolished properties were illegally constructed on government land.
“Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians and residents of Abuja, we are not afraid of blackmail,” Wike declared. “You cannot be in this kind of position and expect not to face blackmail, particularly in Abuja. There are so many land grabbers. Some of us have come to put our feet down. Let heaven fall if it must; it is better to settle this now than to keep enduring.”
The FCTA has recently ramped up efforts to remove illegal structures in estates and shanties across the capital city, citing security concerns and encroachment on government land. These actions have sparked protests and public criticism, with affected residents decrying the demolitions.
Despite the backlash, Wike remained firm in his resolve to tackle land encroachment, vowing to target more illegally constructed buildings.
“We will stop anybody who thinks they can take government land without formal approval. It doesn’t matter who you are—civil rights activist or television personality,” Wike said. “What is wrong is wrong, and no amount of blackmail will stop us from doing what is right.”
Meanwhile, the Senate has intervened, directing an investigation into the demolitions. The motion, sponsored by Senator Ireti Kingibe representing the FCT, raised concerns over the implications of the demolitions and called for their suspension.
An investigative committee, led by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, has been established to probe the matter. The committee is expected to summon Wike to explain the rationale behind the demolitions in the nation’s capital.
The controversy highlights the tension between the enforcement of urban development regulations and the rights of affected residents, with the FCT Minister reiterating his commitment to restoring order in Abuja’s land use.
