By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that poverty cannot be used as a justification for criminal activity, unlawful migration to Abuja, or the establishment of illegal settlements. He emphasized that security remains the top priority of his administration and warned that illegal occupants across the city will be evicted.
Speaking during his monthly media chat on Monday, Wike stressed that criminal elements often hide in shanties and undeveloped areas to avoid detection, making these areas a threat to public safety.
“We cannot say because of poverty, we should allow you to kill people, to rob them, to kidnap people. That is not allowed,” Wike said.
The minister criticized landowners who leave their plots undeveloped, thereby enabling criminals to use such areas as hideouts. He questioned their role in worsening insecurity in the FCT.
“It has infested the city… Why are you making it possible for these criminals to come and settle here and cause problems?” he asked.
Wike reiterated that illegal structures would be demolished and unauthorized residents removed, regardless of their socioeconomic status. He said while poverty is a global issue, it must not serve as an excuse for lawlessness.
“There has never been a time anybody can say there is no poverty… mention the country it’s all over the world,” Wike noted, citing examples like China.
The minister concluded by stating that any government unable to provide security for its citizens has failed in its basic responsibility, and his administration would not tolerate excuses for criminal behavior.
