Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says he will order the demolition of structures constructed on Abuja’s green areas......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
The FCT minister has recently intensified the demolition of illegal structures and shanties in the nation’s capital.
On November 5, residents of Ruga, a settlement along the airport road in Abuja, protested against the minister over the demolition of their homes.
Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and Deji Adeyanju, a lawyer and activist, led the protesters, who demanded the minister’s sack.
But Wike said his administration would not be swayed by blackmail or protests and vowed to continue the demolition of all shanties posing a security threat to residents.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the FCT minister lamented that green areas in Abuja are being encroached.
“On Saturday, I was in Maitama with the director of land and development control. I do not simply sit in my office; I go out to see what’s happening,” he said.
“Upon my visit to Maitama, I discovered that our green areas had been nearly depleted; there were no trees, nothing left.
“If anyone builds on a green area without the necessary approval, then too bad. Those structures will be brought down; certainly, yes, they will be demolished without compensation. Why should I compensate someone for encroaching on public land?”
Wike noted that numerous fake land documents in the FCT were forged certifications from Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
He warned civil servants against overstepping their authority, adding that only the FCT minister can sign certificates of occupancy (C of O).
“Everything is illegal when decisions are made without proper authority. We must stop the rush to build without understanding the legal framework. Ignorance of the law is no excuse,” he said.
“It is not within a civil servant’s authority to sign on behalf of the minister or the governor. Such actions lead to significant complications.
“We cannot allow people to occupy land that doesn’t belong to them. Those who attempt to do so will face the consequences.”