The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his commitment to demolishing properties illegally built on government land, despite public outcry and allegations of favoritism.
Speaking during the distribution of operational vehicles to security agencies in Abuja on Thursday, Wike stated that he would not succumb to blackmail or pressure to stop the exercise. He insisted that the affected properties were constructed without proper approval or documentation, with some posing security risks.
“Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians and residents of Abuja that we are not afraid of blackmail,” Wike said. “There are so many land grabbers, and some of us have come to put our feet down. Let heaven fall; what is wrong is wrong, and no amount of blackmail can stop us.”
The minister dismissed claims that the exercise was targeted or politically motivated, adding that all illegally constructed buildings and shanties would be removed.
Wike’s remarks come amidst allegations that land previously allocated to a construction company, Paullosa Nigeria Limited, had been revoked and reallocated. The company’s General Manager, Vincent Enoghase, claimed that despite paying N10 million for a Right of Occupancy, the company was issued a demolition notice for its estate in the Lifecamp area of Abuja.
Social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, also accused Wike of reallocating land to Saravera Nigeria Limited and Kingsley Chinda, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives.
Wike dismissed these allegations, emphasizing that the demolished properties were acquired illegally. “You go on television to tell people that your land was taken and allocated to a Rivers man. So what? Is a Rivers man not entitled to land in Abuja?” he retorted.
The minister also issued a stern warning to those owing ground rents in the FCT. He vowed to revoke land titles of defaulters and reallocate the properties to those willing to pay.
“If you think we are joking, I am going to revoke all unpaid land titles. Once the grace period expires, forget it. I will revoke and reallocate,” Wike warned.
To enhance security in the FCT, Wike distributed 50 vehicles to various security agencies. The Nigeria Police Force received 25 vehicles, while the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade each received five. The Abuja Naval Unit and Nigeria Air Force Camp Abuja were allocated two vehicles each, with the remaining six given to FCT departments and agencies.
The minister urged the security agencies to use the vehicles to ensure the safety of lives and property, especially during the festive season. “Security is a priority function of any government, and we expect these vehicles to enhance your operations,” he said.