“Not Wike”: Arewa forum uncovers who to be blamed over demolition of houses in FCT

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The contentious house demolitions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), spearheaded by Minister Nyesom Wike, have prompted comments from the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF).

But in response to these criticisms, Wike pledged to keep demolishing houses that were unlawfully constructed on government-owned land on Thursday, December 12, while addressing security agencies at the FCTA Secretariat in Abuja during the distribution of operational vehicles.

In addition, he insisted that blackmail would not influence him.

He advised Nigerians not to hold Wike responsible, although he did note that violations of planning laws and regulations are a common problem in Abuja.

What he said: “While one can condemn such demolitions without appropriate compensation or provision of alternatives, one will also recognize the fact that our people often breach planning laws.

“To be honest with you, there are many parts of Abuja where compliance with regulatory norms is being ignored.”

The professor also underlined how Abuja’s daily population growth and quick expansion have increased housing strain, forcing many people to relocate to prohibited areas.

Muhammad-Baba criticised the FCT administration’s regulatory shortcomings, pointing to corruption as a primary cause of unlawful activity.

“Regulatory officers often collude with individuals by taking kickbacks and looking the other way. The time to stop such demolitions is at the construction level, as people are laying foundations for illegal buildings,” he asserted.

He called on the government to hold regulatory authorities responsible for their carelessness.

“If illegal settlements or buildings are identified, the punishment should start with the officials responsible for that location. Why allow a building to be completed, knowing it’s illegal, only to come and demolish it later?”

Muhammad-Baba called the demolitions a “double-edged sword,” emphasising that both lawbreakers and complicit officials have to be held accountable.

He demanded that the government take steps to combat impunity and offer suitable housing options in order to lessen the desperation that pushes people to violate planning regulations.

“Finally, I hope the government, in doing these demolitions, ensures that due process is followed, and those displaced are adequately compensated or provided alternatives,” he concluded.

Frank called the demolitions “oppressive” and “illegal,” and he urged the President to take immediate action to spare the territory’s residents more agony.

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