Nyesom Wike
The exercise has continued in spite of public outcry and a resolution of the Senate to halt the demolition that has rendered thousands of low income earners homeless and led to rise in rent across the territory.
Victims have however continued to cry out, saying the action of the minister was wicked and ill-timed.
Two months ago, the FCT Administration demolished 50 duplexes and bungalows at Sabon Lugbe, with Galadima defending the action, saying the structures were illegally erected.
The claim was however countered by Home Builders Association of Nigeria (HBAN), alledging that FCTA did so to confiscate the land.
The chairman of the association, Engr Isaac Omolua, alleged that FCDA and its agents had been subjecting them to intimidation.
A resident, Azuka Biose, alleged that the FCTA did the same with Centenary City on the pretext of overriding public interest.
Occupants of Ruga, which was demolished recently, said life has become more difficult for them.
One of the displaced residents, Mr Nuaziru Alkali told Daily Trust that Wike’s promise to dialogue with their representative is yet to materialise.
The affected residents had taken to the street in protest, accusing Wike’s task force, known as “Operation Sweep,” of heavy-handed tactics that have left residents homeless.
There were reports on Wednesday that two Hilux vehicles belonging to the FCT Development Control Department were seized by soldiers during an attempt to demolish some structures at Lugbe.
The soldiers reportedly drove the two vehicles to a general’s house in the area, leaving one deflated, with some of the staff taken away by the soldiers.
Meanwhile, angry natives of the FCT have expressed concerns over blatant abuse of power by the FCT minister, and threatened to curse any official abusing his or her authority.
They spoke at a meeting of stakeholders including youth groups, women associations, and grassroots organisations, convened to voice their grievances.
One of the stakeholders, Elder Danjuma Tanko Dara, also faulted the existing governance framework in the FCT, saying it lacks democratic representation and undermines the principles of accountability and transparency.
A lawyer, Obioma Ezenwobodo, said although the FCT minister has powers over land in the territory, such powers must be exercised with a human face and in accordance with the law.
In his view, although Section 297 of the Nigerian Constitution vests ownership of all lands in the Government, but “where a citizen has his land papers intact, he cannot or rather should not be dispossessed of his land except for overriding public interest. Even at that, strict legal procedures comprising of giving him adequate notice and compensating him must be followed.
“Even illegal squatters, though do not have legitimate titles, should be protected by the government or at best be provided a more conducive place to stay. The world has moved far away from the manner of forced evictions being witnessed presently. The country belongs to all of us.”
In spite of the outrage, the FCT minister has vowed to continue with the demolishing, in defiance of the resolution of the Senate directing him to halt the exercise.
