Wike talks tough as FCTA demolishes homes for road project

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has warned residents against acts of sabotage capable of delaying infrastructure development.

He expressed disappointment on the attitude of Gishiri Village indigenes, who rejected the compensation to take care of the demolition of some houses situated along the Arterial Road N16 through their settlement in the Katampe area of Abuja.

Speaking during an inspection visit to the site, Wike stressed that the FCT Administration had engaged community leaders and traditional rulers several times to ensure smooth relocation of affected residents.

He said: “Well, you realise that I have been here more than four times. We have sat down with the community leaders and their chiefs. I have told them the need for them to cooperate with the government so that the contractor, CGC, will be able to correct this road, and hand it over by May.”

Wike revealed that compensation had been made available, and relocation plans arranged, yet work continues to face resistance.

“The traditional ruler pleaded with us for one more week. The money for compensation has been made available. And as part of that, we also promised to provide an alternative location for relocation.

“I did inform the traditional ruler that this work has to go on. No government will fold its arms and allow people to sabotage projects meant for public interest,” Wike warned.

The minister added that he returned from Milan to oversee the demolition and ensure that it was carried out effectively.

“I’m here to supervise this demolition, and I want people to understand that it’s no longer going to be business as usual,” he cautioned.

On concerns about the human impact of the exercise, the minister insisted that the government had been considerate enough by giving affected residents ample time to relocate.

“We have given them more than two, three months. I can’t just fold my hands and let work stop because of a few people,” he said.

Wike reaffirmed that the demolition and road project would continue as planned, urging affected residents to obey the relocation process.