‘We are not ending what we started’ – Wike defends Abuja demolition

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the ongoing demolition of structures obstructing water channels in Abuja.

Wike said those questioning the exercise should also consider whether the owners of the affected structures followed due process before blocking designated water channels.

The minister spoke on Wednesday while responding to questions about the demolition exercise, which followed his inspection of flood-prone areas in Maitama on Tuesday.

Reacting to criticism on social media over whether the FCT Administration had complied with due process, Wike challenged the argument, asking, “What is due process? You went to block a water channel – is that due process?”

He insisted that the FCT Administration, not those who obstructed the waterways, was on the right side of the law. “I am the one following due process to make sure the right thing is being done,” he said.

The minister made clear that the enforcement would not stop at Maitama, with the FCT Administration set to move into other parts of the city where structures had been erected on or around drainage and water channels.

“Certainly. We have just started somewhere. After that, we move to another area. We are not going to end just with what we started yesterday,” Wike said.

He explained that clearing the obstructions would restore the free flow of water and help address flooding in affected communities, adding that the FCT Administration’s responsibility was to protect the wider public wherever private structures created flood risks for residents.

Wike’s remarks come amid growing concern over weekend’s flooding in several parts of Abuja, including Maitama, Lokogoma and Wuse, following heavy rainfall in the capital.

The FCT Administration has in recent weeks intensified its clampdown on structures encroaching on waterways and drainage corridors as part of efforts to improve flood control and enforce the territory’s master plan.

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