The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has vowed to press on with the ongoing demolitions in Abuja. Wike declared that the demolition of illegal structures on government land would continue unabated, regardless of public protests or opposition from the Nigerian Senate.
Speaking during the handover of operational vehicles to security agencies in Abuja, Wike defended the demolitions, asserting that many of the targeted structures posed security risks or were illegally constructed on government land without proper authorization. He said: “Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians and residents of Abuja, we are not afraid of blackmail,” Wike said. “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.” Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, reiterated that no one, regardless of their social or political status, would be allowed to encroach on government land. He maintained that his administration’s actions were in the best interest of public safety and urban planning.
Despite the Minister’s determination, the Senate has intervened in the matter, ordering Wike to halt the demolitions. On Wednesday, the upper legislative chamber announced the establishment of a committee to investigate the demolitions. The committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, is tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the demolitions and is expected to invite Wike to explain the actions undertaken by his office
The ongoing demolitions have sparked widespread reactions, with some applauding Wike’s resolve to restore order to the capital city and others criticizing the approach as heavy-handed. As the controversy unfolds, Abuja residents and stakeholders await the findings of the Senate committee.