The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the ongoing demolition of properties in Abuja, stating that the exercise targets illegal structures built on government lands.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Wike dismissed criticisms of the demolition drive as baseless blackmail, vowing that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) would not relent in restoring the city’s master plan.
Speaking during the distribution of operational vehicles to security agencies at the FCTA Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday Wike said, “Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians and residents of Abuja, we are not afraid of blackmailing.
“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.”
In recent months, the FCTA has intensified the demolition of what it deems illegal structures in Abuja’s estates and shanties.
According to Wike, while some of the structures pose security risks, the rest were built on lands belonging to the government.
The move has triggered backlash and protests, but Wike has insisted there is no going back and vowed to pursue more illegally constructed buildings and shanties.
Wike said, “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.
“What is wrong is wrong; no amount of blackmail can stop us. People take government property without approval or documentation.”
Wike’s statement came on the same day that the Senate ordered a probe into the demolitions in the FCT, setting up a committee to look into the development.