In an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, did not hold back in placing blame on the elite for the distortion of the capital’s Master Plan.
With his words leaving no room for ambiguity, Wike insisted that the privileged few were responsible for this breach.
Speaking candidly on Wednesday, Wike highlighted that even before assuming office on August 21, 2023, a number of issues had already gone awry in the FCT.
He squarely pointed out members of the elite as the prime culprits in flouting the Master Plan, particularly in constructing in restricted zones like the Green Area.
Wike did not mince his words, posing a rhetorical question that underscored his point: “Today in this country, who are the major lawbreakers? Is there are any poor man that is doing something to distort the Master Plan of the FCT?
“Is there any poor man that is living in Asokoro, that is living in Maitama or Garki? So, what are we talking about?” the minister queried.
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The former Rivers State governor emphasized that President Bola Tinubu must have taken note of his track record when appointing him as FCT Minister. With an unwavering demeanor, Wike stated that tough decisions needed to be made, and he, as a resolute leader, was prepared to take them, regardless of the challenges that might arise.
Wike declared his intent to assemble a formidable legal team to hold erring elite members accountable. The Minister maintained an unyielding stance, firmly asserting that there would be “no going back” on the FCT Administration’s plans to rectify the Abuja Master Plan’s distortion.
He underscored that even prominent figures, be they ministers or ambassadors, would not be exempt from the consequences, proclaiming, “Your house must go down” if built in unauthorized locations.
Expanding on the issue, Wike expressed concern about the proliferation of incomplete projects and commercial activities encroaching on green areas. He acknowledged that prior notices had been given to offenders, such as the recent incident in Asokoro. Rejecting claims of economic hardships or civil rights, Wike was resolute in his stance against such breaches.
“We normally give notice. Take for example what just happened at Asokoro, which is a green area. In fact, I was informed by the building control that they had been trying to take them away, sentiments of this and that.”
“This is the problem we have, you see people trading and the government comes to say, ‘you can’t do this’. Now they go to meet civil society, human rights this – that they have nowhere to stay, they are suffering, economic hardship – that is rubbish,” he insisted.
“What we have done was to give them notice and they’ve left because it will not be business as usual. Where they will say it is a normal government threat that nothing will happen, they know something will happen and they have moved.”
The Minister made it clear that his administration would not follow the conventional approach of hollow threats, signaling a shift in the status quo.