Abuja demolitions: FCT residents paying the price for Tinubu’s silence – Ex-APC chieftain

Former National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s silence regarding the mass demolition of properties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the directive of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Frank called on Tinubu to rein in Wike’s actions, warning that the ongoing demolitions could have political repercussions in the 2027 presidential election.

Frank accused Wike of inflicting hardship on residents of the FCT under the guise of restoring the city’s master plan.

He claimed the demolitions have caused immense suffering for property owners and questioned Tinubu’s apparent endorsement through his inaction.

“The President’s silence is a tacit approval of illegality and disregard for the plight of ordinary Nigerians,” Frank said.

He also criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who recently defended Wike’s actions, stating they were court-ordered.

Frank argued that Akpabio’s remarks render Senate resolutions urging a halt to the demolitions ineffective.

The Bayelsa-born politician alleged that Wike is using the demolitions to settle personal scores and consolidate political power, accusing him of reallocating seized properties to himself, his associates, and proxies.

He described the Minister’s administration of the FCT as tyrannical, claiming it has undermined investor confidence in Nigeria.

“Wike’s inhumane approach, coupled with the compromised judicial system, will scare away foreign investors,” Frank stated.

He urged Tinubu to act swiftly to address the grievances of affected citizens, ensure adequate compensation for their losses, and halt Wike’s “vindictive and oppressive tendencies.”

Frank concluded by calling on Nigerians to demand accountability and justice, insisting that the rights of all citizens must be protected.