Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and immediate former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, maintains that removing Abuja’s shanties is necessary for the security of lives and properties.
Speaking to Wuye area shanty dwellers in Abuja on Sunday evening, the Minister prioritized concerns regarding the security risks posed by unidentified FCT settlements and maintained his stance against yielding to threats or blackmail.
He however directed that the occupants of the Wuye shanty village should appoint five persons among themselves to meet with the FCT Ministry on Tuesday, to fashion out means of assisting them.
“As you can see, we have had issues of insecurity in the FCT and the security agencies have been working 24 hours to make sure that Abuja is safe.
“We have identify areas that pose security threats, like this place that has rail-line passing through. If we allow this kind of people to be here, it is a security threat to the operation of our trains and no right thinking government will allow that.
“No government worth its salt will fold its hands and allow this place to be occupied by hoodlums or people no one can account for.
“Therefore, no amount of blackmail, intimidation or threat from any civil society organization will prevent us from doing what is right,” Wike said.
Abba Garu, who spoke on behalf of the occupants said that the recent demolition of the shanties by the FCT administration was the 22nd time, pleading with the government to assist them in finding shelter.
He admitted that they just erected temporary structures on the land, since it was not occupied and had lived there for years.
Garu, who assured that the occupants will not rebuild their houses as they have done before, thanked the Minister for the opportunity to meet with officials of the Ministry to seek means helping them.
