….. As angry protesters demand his immediate replacement
Some residents of the federal capital territory Abuja on Friday took to the street with banners bearing different inscriptions which accused the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of grabbing land belonging to the citizens without any form of consultation or consideration. The angry protest was geared towards compelling Nyesom Wike to hands off their property, while calling on Mr President to relieve him of his duty for exceeding his bounds.
In a wave of outrage, protesters gathered in Abuja accusing Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, of land-grabbing tactics that allegedly displace the poor to benefit the rich. Led by prominent lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju, alongside activist Vincent Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMark, the protest demanded immediate action against the minister, claiming that recent demolitions targeted vulnerable communities with “malicious intent.”
Otse expressed shock at the destruction, describing it as a “strange and callous move” that will severely impact Abuja. “This demolition was carried out far from the main road, yet families here have been rendered homeless amid nationwide hardship,” Otse said. He criticized the lack of compensation, arguing that these demolitions ignore the needs of the poor, who are essential members of society.
Adeyanju echoed these concerns, stating that property worth millions of naira was destroyed, with reports of homes burned by the task force. He urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene on behalf of the displaced, many of whom had previously fled violence in Borno and other northern states. “Most of these residents are artisans struggling to survive. These actions are unjustified, and we appeal to Mr. President to protect these vulnerable communities from further harassment,” Adeyanju stated.
Both activists warned that continued displacement of poor residents could have far-reaching consequences, urging the government to prioritize peaceful co-existence over evictions. “Peace can only be achieved if the poor are allowed to live without fear,” Adeyanju cautioned. He called on President Tinubu to restrain Wike from demolishing homes and reallocating land to affluent interests, emphasizing that the affected communities lie far from the main road, making the demolitions unnecessary.
Wike had previously directed “Operation Sweep,” a task force initiative aimed at clearing perceived “nuisance” areas in the city, sparking nationwide debate over the ethics and repercussions of these demolitions.
