The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has vowed to persist with the ongoing demolition exercises in Abuja, despite intense backlash from civil society organizations and notable activists. Following a recent security council meeting and an inspection of the Ruga settlement, the minister reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining order and enhancing the city’s safety, branding criticisms as “blackmail” intended to derail his objectives.
Wike’s stance comes in the wake of protests led by residents and prominent figures, including human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju and social media influencer Vincent Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan. The demonstrators called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, highlighting the disruptive impact of the demolitions on displaced communities and questioning the process's legality.
The FCT Minister, however, dismissed the protests, asserting that the demolitions are vital to securing lives, protecting property, and positioning Abuja among the world’s best cities. “No amount of blackmail, intimidation, or abuse will prevent us from doing our job. We are focused on our mission to secure Abuja,” Wike stated.
He further instructed residents not to reconstruct any structures on the cleared sites, stressing that no permanent or temporary buildings should be erected until the government finalizes its plan for the area. Wike disclosed that additional shanties throughout the city would face similar actions, as his administration plans to transform these spaces into organized bus terminals for public convenience and urban order.
In a move to address the residents’ concerns, Wike requested that five representatives from the affected community engage with security officials and the Land and Development Control Department to suggest alternatives for the administration’s consideration. This directive aims to provide a platform for residents to voice their needs amidst the sweeping changes across the cityscape.
Community spokesperson Abba Garu expressed the settlers' plight, explaining that the Ruga settlement hosts over 10,000 inhabitants from various ethnic backgrounds, serving as a microcosm of Nigeria’s diversity. “We are not contesting ownership of the land, but we are pleading with the minister to provide alternative shelter,” Garu said, emphasizing the urgency for relief as many are left without housing options following numerous demolition exercises over recent years.
Wike’s actions and his determination to press forward in the face of protest underline his administration’s approach to city management, sparking a broader dialogue on urban development, displacement, and the rights of Abuja’s most vulnerable residents.
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