Wike supervises demolition for road project in Gishiri

• Warns against sabotage

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday supervised the demolition of structures obstructing the construction of the Arterial Road N16 in Gishiri village, Katampe District, Abuja.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Press, Anthony Ogunleye, the Minister, addressing the press at the site, revealed that residents had received eviction notices and were clearly informed about the need for their cooperation with the government. He emphasised that this cooperation was crucial for the contractor, Messrs CGC, to complete the road project by the end of May.

However, he expressed regret that the residents refused the government’s offer of compensation and its pledge to assist with their relocation. This refusal occurred despite the residents being granted a one-week extension, as requested by the village chief, which ultimately hindered progress on the road project.

He said the road project was in the overriding public interest and not a case of acquiring land for private development, warning that the FCT Administration would not tolerate the sabotage of projects of public interest.

He said he was personally involved in the demolition exercise to send a message that it would no longer be business as usual.

According to the FCT Minister, ‘We served them with the eviction notice, and we told them the need for them to cooperate with the government so that the contractor, CGC, will be able to complete this road and then hand it over by May ending.’

Speaking further, the Minister said, ‘The traditional ruler, of course, pleaded with us to give them one week. The money for compensation has been made available, and we did also promise that, in spite of that, we will still make available somewhere they can relocate.

‘But with all these assurances, it did appear, from what I got in the report, that work is not going on. I informed the traditional ruler that this work has to go on, and enough is enough. No government will fold its arms and allow people to sabotage a project for the interest of the public. It’s not as if anybody is coming to acquire land to build houses.’

Addressing concerns regarding the impact of the demolition on the residents of the village and public perception, the Minister asserted that ample time had been provided for the residents to vacate. He stated that the government would not halt a crucial project for the sake of a few individuals, having granted them enough time and made funds available for compensation.

He said, ‘Enough time has been given. Are we going to say that because of a few people, the government will not do their work? No. We have given them more than two, three months. I cannot fold my hands and say let the job stop. No, we will not do that.’

Speaking further, the Minister said, ‘We have promised to relocate them to another area, and even the money for compensation has been given, but they said they will not accept, which means the job will not go on, and we will not allow that.’

He reiterated the government’s commitment to relocating the affected residents and providing compensation and advised them to cooperate with the FCT Department of Resettlement and Compensation to finalise the modalities for their relocation.