In apparent defiance of public outrage, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has vowed to continue demolishing structures in the territory which he considers illegal.
The former Rivers State Governor defended his decision insisting the properties are built on government lands in Abuja, despite resistance from residents and property owners.
The demolitions by Wike sparked controversy, with many residents left without homes.
A construction company, Paullosa Nigeria Limited, recently raised the alarm over a demolition notice issued by the Federal Capital Development Authority to demolish its estate in the Lifecamp area of Abuja.
However, Wike on Thursday insisted that the structures being demolished were illegally built on government lands and posed security risks.
He vowed to continue the demolitions, saying, “Let heaven fall. It is even better that heaven comes down now so that we would not be fasting again to go to heaven.”
The minister also addressed allegations of blackmail, stating that he would not be swayed by threats or intimidation.
“What is wrong is wrong; no amount of blackmail can stop us,” he said. “We would stop anybody who thinks they will take government land for whatever reason with formal approval. We would not look at your face. If you like, be a civil rights activist or a television personality.”
Wike warned individuals who still owed ground rents in the FCT to pay up or risk their titles being revoked. He emphasized that security was a priority function of any government.