By Patrick Idowu
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his commitment to demolishing illegal structures in Abuja despite public criticism.
Addressing concerns about whether the backlash over the demolition exercises and enforcement of ground rent could distract his administration in 2025, Wike stated, “Nothing distracts me. I am very focused.”
He made the remarks on Tuesday after inspecting the ongoing construction of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, and the Saburi–Dei Dei road.
Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, dismissed criticism as an inevitable part of governance.
“Even if people are complaining, it is part of governance. You don’t expect to satisfy everybody.
“People must complain, but such complaints will not distract us. We will continue to do what is necessary,” he said.
He emphasized that the demolition of illegal structures and shanties would proceed regardless of public opinion.
“Forget about what people say about demolition; it must go ahead. At the end of the day, they will acknowledge the good job we have done,” Wike declared.
The minister urged Abuja residents and business owners to support his administration’s efforts, promising improved conditions in 2025.
“All we require is the continued support of residents and business owners to achieve more than we did in 2024,” he said.
Wike also expressed optimism about the security situation in the FCT, citing the relative calm during the festive period.
“Security is quite intact, and we believe that in 2025, we will have an even better Abuja,” he added.
