The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, remains resolute in his decision to demolish illegally constructed properties in Abuja despite widespread criticism and mounting pressure. His actions have sparked a heated debate, with accusations of procedural lapses and concerns over the fairness of his policies.
Wike’s administration has been criticized for undertaking widespread demolitions without what some claim is adequate investigation or due diligence. One prominent case involves Paullosa Nigeria Limited, a construction company that received a demolition notice from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) concerning its estate in Lifecamp, Abuja.
According to the General Manager of the estate, Vincent Enoghase, the FCDA had demanded N10 million for a Right of Occupancy, which the company reportedly paid but had yet to receive before being served a quit notice. Enoghase expressed frustration, alleging a lack of transparency in the process leading to the demolition notice.
The situation gained further attention when social media influencer and critic, Vincent Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, accused Wike of revoking Paullosa Nigeria Limited’s land title and reallocating it to Saravera Nigeria Limited and Kingsley Chinda, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives representing the Obio/Akpor Constituency. Otse claimed in a viral video that the land originally belonged to Nigeria’s first Army cadet, who passed away four years ago, calling on security agencies to intervene in what he described as an injustice.
Amid these controversies, the Senate has established a panel to investigate the demolition cases and has requested Wike to halt further demolitions until the inquiry concludes. This intervention highlights the escalating tensions between WikeWike Defends Abuja Demolitions As Senate Launches Probe’s administration and those affected by his policies, raising questions about governance and accountability in the FCT.
Despite the backlash, Wike has stood firm, maintaining that his actions are necessary to restore order and prevent the misuse of government land. Speaking during the distribution of operational vehicles to security agencies at the FCTA Secretariat, he explained that the demolitions target structures built on government land without proper documentation or approval.
Wike dismissed allegations of bias and reiterated his commitment to upholding the law, regardless of public or political pressure. He emphasized that his administration would not tolerate illegal land acquisitions or manipulation of the system by land grabbers, even in the face of what he termed as blackmail.“
Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians and residents of Abuja we are not afraid of blackmail. In fact, you cannot be in this kind of position, and you cannot be blackmailed, particularly regarding 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,” he said.
He further warned individuals who owed ground rents to pay up or risk losing their land titles, noting that such lands would be reallocated to those willing to fulfill their financial obligations.
Wike’s remarks came during a ceremony where 50 vehicles were distributed to various security agencies in the FCT, signaling his administration’s commitment to ensuring safety, particularly during the festive season. The vehicles were allocated to the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and military units in Abuja.
The ongoing demolitions have sparked debates on land governance and equity in Abuja. Critics argue that Wike’s approach lacks due process and disproportionately affects ordinary citizens and businesses. However, Wike insists that his administration’s actions are grounded in legality and are essential to restoring order in the FCT.
The intervention of the Senate panel may offer some resolution to the controversy. Until then, Wike’s administration continues to pursue its demolition agenda, signaling a clear message about its commitment to enforcing the law, irrespective of public opinion or political pressure.
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