By Divine Nwakanma
Newly sworn-in Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Nwike, has come under fire for threatening to demolish illegal structures in the federal capital.
While delivering his inaugural address as FCT Minister shortly after his swearing-in on Monday, Wike said he would not hesitate to bring down structures that violate the city’s master plan.
He said structures built on green spaces “will go down” regardless of whose ox is gored in a bid to restore the integrity of Abuja’s master plan.
“All those people who are distorting the master plan of Abuja, too bad too bad. If you know you are building where you’re not supposed to build, it will go down. If you know you have anybody that has taken the green areas, the parks, and now built a restaurant. No, we will not accept that.
“If your father has done that, sorry. There is nothing I can do. It will go down,” Wike had declared.
However, this threat has got many Nigerians reacting and chiding him.
Richard Akinnola 11 wrote: “There is more to Abuja than just demolition of illegal structures. Wike needs to wean himself of the mentality of the almighty Governor not answerable to anyone. This time around, he is just a minister, answerable to Mr president. Abuja has many challenges – non-functioning street lights, upsurge in crime, traffic snarls linking the satellite towns etc. so, Abuja is not all about demolition of structures like he was sealing up fuel stations of political opponents and whimsically revoking their C of O when he was Governor.
“By my reckoning, he did well in terms of infrastructures in Rivers. One needs to be fair and give him credit but this new assignment is a different ball game and l hope that as a life Bencher, he would obey court orders obtained by those whose property are to be demolished. I wish him all the best and l believe he would do well, provided he tempers his gra-gra with due process.”
Chido Nwakanma added: “Nyesom Wike spoke soon after his inauguration as FCT Minister.
“The sound bites are awful and do not do him deserved justice or fetch him plaudits.
Nyesom Wike was a builder more than a destroyer in Port Harcourt.
“He should call another press briefing in two weeks.
“How about articulating a plan to make Abuja one of the Top 20 cities in the world in the next four years and inviting collaboration of citizens and foreigners?
“No need for the rough and tough.
Build, Wike, build and expand Abuja FCT.”
Daniel Bwala, a lawyer and former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar during the presidential campaign, took to Twitter to express his concerns about Wike’s plans, calling it “bullish and vendetta spirit”
Bwala’s tweet reads: “To Whom It May Concern:
“Hello sir, in case you need a refresher course; the basic needs of the residents of the FCT are; affordable healthcare facilities; access to good education facilities, clean sports and recreational centers, affordable transport services system, efficient and workable street light in the city Centre and the suburbs; and finally, security.
“You came with a bullish and vendetta spirit, venting fire and brimstone about demolition and revocation of titles. Abuja is not Port Harcourt. If you create chaos in the city, you will jeopardize your principal’s interests and he will be forced to sacrifice your job. You will learn humility on the job.”