ABUJA: The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that his administration will not be swayed by criticism or blackmail from civil society organizations and activists who are demanding an end to the ongoing demolition exercises in Abuja.
Wike made the remarks after visiting the demolished Ruga settlement on Sunday, where he was accompanied by security agency leaders following a meeting of the FCT Security Council. The demolition, carried out by the Department of Development Control, had sparked protests from residents and activists, including human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju and social media critic Vincent Martins Otse (VeryDarkMan). They had called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene.
Despite the backlash, Wike reaffirmed that his primary goal was to ensure the safety and well-being of residents, emphasizing that Abuja must be developed into one of the world’s best cities. He dismissed the criticisms as part of an orchestrated campaign, stating that his administration would continue its efforts to improve the city’s environment.
No amount of blackmail, intimidation, or abuse will stop us from doing our jobs, Wike said. We are not concerned with what they call themselves civil society or not. Our focus is on protecting lives, securing property, and ensuring Abuja becomes one of the world’s top cities.
Wike also directed that no structures—temporary or permanent should be rebuilt in the demolished areas until the government has made a final decision on the land’s future. He revealed that the government plans to convert some of the cleared areas, including illegal bus stops and shanties, into organized bus terminals to improve city infrastructure.
We’ve seen so many shanties and informal bus stops around the city, and we’ve decided that some of these areas will be transformed into new bus terminals to enhance order and cleanliness, he explained.
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In response to requests from residents, Wike called for a five-member committee of residents to meet with FCT security chiefs and development authorities to propose recommendations on how to move forward.
During the visit, Abba Garu, a representative of the Ruga settlers, appealed to the minister for alternative housing. Garu explained that the demolition was the 22nd of its kind under various administrations, leaving over 10,000 people displaced. He emphasized that the community, though lacking legal ownership of the land, was simply asking for assistance to find shelter.
We are not challenging the government’s actions, but we ask for help, Garu pleaded. This community is made up of people from all ethnic backgrounds. We are the lower class, and we are asking for shelter where we can live and thrive as Nigerians.
Wike’s firm stance on demolitions and urban renewal underscores his commitment to transforming Abuja, but the ongoing tensions between the government and affected residents highlight the complexities of balancing development with social welfare.
