Transforming Abuja: Wike's Vision Amidst Protests

Wike's Quest for a World-Class Abuja, Despite Opposition

“It doesn't matter who they go and hire, they call them civil society or not civil society, we are not interested in...”

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, vows to continue demolition exercises in Abuja despite protests, aiming to make the city one of the world's best. Residents are requested not to rebuild structures until the government decides on a course of action. 

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has made it clear that his administration won't be swayed by blackmail from civil society organizations and activists demanding an end to demolition exercises in the city. This statement came after Wike visited the demolished Ruga settlement with heads of security agencies in Abuja, following a security council meeting on November 10.

During the visit, Wike emphasized that his administration's primary focus is protecting lives and property in the FCT, aiming to make Abuja one of the world's top cities. This stance was reiterated amidst protests from settlers, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, and social media critic Vincent Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, who called for President Bola Tinubu's intervention after the Department of Development Control's demolition.

It's worth noting that Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, has been instrumental in implementing reforms and projects in his previous roles. As governor, he declared public primary and secondary education free and initiated educational reforms. His current stance on demolition exercises in Abuja aligns with his goal of maintaining order and development in the city.

Pointers:

Nyesom Wike's Stance: No blackmail will deter the administration from its goals.

Administration's Focus: Protecting lives and property, making Abuja a top city.

Protests and Demolitions: Settlers and activists demand President Tinubu's intervention.

Wike's Background: Former governor of Rivers State, implemented educational reforms. 

“It doesn't matter who they go and hire, they call them civil society or not civil society, we are not interested in that.

“Our interest is to protect lives and property, to safeguard Abuja so that it will be one of the best cities in the world,” he said.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has requested that residents refrain from rebuilding any structures, whether temporary or permanent, in the area until the government has finalized its plans. Additionally, other makeshift shelters throughout the city will be demolished and repurposed as bus terminals to maintain order and organization.

This directive is likely part of a broader effort to enhance the city's infrastructure and ensure the well-being of its residents. It's essential for the residents to cooperate with the government's plans, even if it means temporary inconvenience, to achieve the desired outcome.

In similar situations, leaders have successfully navigated rebuilding efforts by prioritizing prayer, planning, and community engagement. By doing so, they've overcome obstacles, restored their communities, and created a better environment for everyone.

“As far as this road is concerned, we have told them nobody is going to build anything, whether temporary ог permanent. We will not allow them until the government has made a final decision on what to do on this piece of land.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has taken a significant step towards addressing the concerns of residents affected by the recent demolition exercises in Abuja. He directed that five representatives of the residents meet with the heads of security agencies and the directors of Land and Development Control to provide recommendations on the way forward.

Abba Garu, the spokesperson for the settlers, made an emotional plea to Wike, urging him to provide shelter for the displaced residents. Garu highlighted the devastating impact of the demolitions, revealing that the latest exercise was the 22nd carried out by successive administrations, leaving many without a place to call home.

Wike's directive demonstrates a willingness to engage with the community and find solutions to the challenges they face. By involving residents in the decision-making process, he aims to ensure that their needs are taken into account and that their rights are protected.

“We are not dragging anything with the government that we own the land, but we are pleading, please and please, honourable minister, this environment you are seeing is like a mini Nigeria; every tribe you check is here because we are lower class people living around.

“We are seeking from the honourable minister's office to help and assist us, to give us a shelter where we can reside with our people.

“This place you are seeing, Mr Honourable Minister, we are over 10,000 people in this community. We have four axes. Our people don't drag with whatever government wants to do with their land, but we are Nigerians,” he said.

Community engagement and social change initiatives are crucial for successful urban development. Effective community engagement involves organizing for ownership, allowing for complexity, and building trust with local stakeholders. Top-down approaches can lead to failure, while data-driven solutions and collective impact initiatives can drive positive change.