Hundreds of protesters on Wednesday expressed support for the planned demolition of illegal shanties and buildings by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike.
The group, The Natives, at a press conference in Abuja said the alleged threat by the minister was a mere assurance to Nigerians of his commitment to toe the path of the law in sanitising Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Coordinator of the group, Edward Smart stated that the minister just said the obvious, while urging the residents living in the FCT not be alarmed by the rumoured threat of demolition.
“We are reassuring Nigerians not to be afraid. The country has to become greater and all of us will have to make sacrifices. Wike is not threatening. Wike was only demanding and asserting to do the right thing,” he said.
Recall that Barr. Wike on resumption to office on Monday reportedly vowed to demolish houses built unlawfully in the nation’s capital, as he pledged to restore the dignity of the FCT.
Alarmed by this threat, some residents have expressed fears that the new minister may follow in the footsteps of one-time FCT minister and immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
Similarly, Edward charged the newly inaugurated ministers to work hard to deliver on the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Tinubu whom he urged to keep his appointees on their toes and force those who fail to live up to expectations to resign from office.
“Hon. Ministers, come alive, wake up, and rise. You are 45 of the best amongst us, do not be a disgrace to us. Collectively and individually, we won’t tolerate failure. The entire country expects much from you and may your reign be prosperous
“Ministers, we call on you to be on your toes and fold your sleeves. The task is enormous. You all have the pedigree to surmount them. You have Singapore, Rwanda, and China before you as examples.
“This is a different journey. The president wants delivery and Nigerians want results. Remove all debris, and clogs in the wheels, and uproot all blockades, imbalances, and impediments in your pathways.
“Our youths must find jobs. The country must be safe. Asiwaju our President has empowered you to create a paradigm shift. By this, you are commanded to think out of the box and equip yourself with the best team.
“Produce legacies via knowledge and research, and recreate and redesign your MDAs for greater output. Be deliberate. If you can’t, resign,” Edward urged.