Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has said he will order the demolition of structures constructed on Abuja’s green areas.
Gatekeepers News reports that residents of Ruga, a settlement along airport road in Abuja had on November 5, protested against Wike, demanding his sack over demolition of their homes.
Social media activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and popular lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju led the protests.
Wike however said his administration would not fall prey to blackmail or protests and vowed to continue the demolition of all shanties posing a security threat to residents.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the FCT minister lamented that green areas in Abuja are being encroached.
He said, “On Saturday, I was in Maitama with the director of land and development control. I do not simply sit in my office; I go out to see what’s happening.”
“Upon my visit to Maitama, I discovered that our green areas had been nearly depleted; there were no trees, nothing left.”
“If anyone builds on a green area without the necessary approval, then too bad. Those structures will be brought down; certainly, yes, they will be demolished without compensation. Why should I compensate someone for encroaching on public land?”
Wike said numerous fake land documents in the FCT were forged certifications from Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
He further warned civil servants against overstepping their authority, adding that only FCT minister can sign certificates of occupancy (C of O).
He said, “Everything is illegal when decisions are made without proper authority. We must stop the rush to build without understanding the legal framework. Ignorance of the law is no excuse.”
“It is not within a civil servant’s authority to sign on behalf of the minister or the governor. Such actions lead to significant complications.”
“We cannot allow people to occupy land that doesn’t belong to them. Those who attempt to do so will face the consequences.”
