Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has pledged to take down unlawfully built houses within the nation’s capital, regardless of the property owners. The commitment came as Wike, among 44 other newly appointed Ministers, took his oath of office. The announcement was made during a press briefing held at the FCT Minister’s office in Abuja.
Wike emphasized that houses built in violation of the Abuja Masterplan and those occupying green areas would also face demolition, irrespective of ownership. He stated, “All those people who are distorting the Masterplan of Abuja, too bad. If you know you have built where you are not supposed to build, it will go down.”
He went on to stress that this initiative would not be driven by personal vendettas, responding to concerns about potential bias. Wike affirmed, “I will step on toes. The big and mighty, I will step on them. If you are doing what is wrong, I will do what I am supposed to do.” He clarified that his aim is to restore the FCT to its intended state and not to pursue a witch hunt against individuals.
