“No quantity of blackmail can cease us”- Wike pledges to proceed demolition in FCT 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has staunchly defended the continued demolition of properties in Abuja, dismissing accusations of blackmail and pledging to proceed the crackdown on unlawful developments.

Talking in the course of the distribution of operational automobiles to safety businesses on the FCTA Secretariat on Thursday, Wike emphasised that the Federal Capital Growth Authority (FCDA) is focusing on buildings constructed on government-owned lands with out correct authorization.

“Let me use this chance to inform Nigerians and residents of Abuja, we aren’t afraid of blackmail,” Wike mentioned.

“Actually, you can’t be in this sort of place and say you can’t be blackmailed, significantly in Abuja. There are such a lot of land grabbers. A few of us have come to place our toes down. Let heaven fall. It’s even higher that heaven comes down now in order that we’d not be fasting once more to go to heaven.” 

What to know 

In current months, the FCTA has ramped up the elimination of unlawful buildings in estates and casual settlements throughout town. In accordance with Wike, many of those buildings pose safety dangers or encroach on authorities land.

• Regardless of public backlash and protests, the minister has remained resolute. “We might cease anyone who thinks they are going to take authorities land for no matter motive with out formal approval. We might not have a look at your face. In case you like, be a civil rights activist or a tv character,” Wike mentioned, reinforcing his stance.

“What’s fallacious is fallacious; no quantity of blackmail can cease us. Individuals take authorities property with out approval or documentation,” he added.

Extra insights 

The Senate, nevertheless, has ordered an investigation into the demolitions, citing considerations over their affect on residents.

• Following a movement sponsored by Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the FCT, the legislative physique has directed an investigative committee to probe the demolitions.
• Kingibe described the demolitions as troubling and known as for instant motion to halt them. The Senate’s committee, led by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, has been tasked with inspecting the authorized and humanitarian elements of the demolitions. Wike is predicted to look earlier than the committee to offer readability on the rationale behind the operations.

The minister’s actions come amid broader debates over land use, city planning, and governance within the capital. Whereas some residents have applauded the federal government’s efforts to implement order, critics argue that the demolitions disproportionately have an effect on susceptible communities.