Even if heaven fall, I will continue to demolish houses in Abuja – Wike blows hot

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his commitment to the ongoing demolition exercise in Abuja, despite protests and criticism.

Wike, speaking on Thursday during the distribution of operational vehicles to security agencies at the FCTA Secretariat in Abuja, emphasized that the demolitions target illegally constructed properties on government-owned land.

“Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians and residents of Abuja, we are not afraid of blackmail,” Wike said. “There are so many land grabbers. Some of us have come to put our feet down. Let heaven fall.”

The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has intensified efforts in recent months, demolishing illegal structures, shanties, and settlements, particularly along major routes like the airport road. According to the minister, these structures either pose security risks or were erected without formal approval.

Wike dismissed criticism, including from civil rights activists, stating, “What is wrong is wrong; no amount of blackmail can stop us. People take government property without approval or documentation.”

The demolition exercise has sparked backlash and protests from affected residents, prompting the Senate to intervene. On the same day as Wike’s remarks, the Senate set up a committee to probe the demolitions, following a motion sponsored by Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the FCT. Kingibe expressed concerns about the impact of the demolitions and urged for a temporary halt to the exercise.

Despite the Senate’s involvement, Wike has vowed to continue the crackdown on unauthorized structures, maintaining that the move is necessary to safeguard government land and address security concerns.