Wike Pulls Down Buildings Obstructing Road Construction In Gishiri

In a bid to fast-track completion of the N16 road project in Gishiri village of Katampe District, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has pulled down structures obstructing the road construction under the strict supervision of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Addressing Journalists at the site, Wike explained that the demolition followed repeated warnings and negotiations with community leaders that fell on deaf ears.

According to Wike, the government offered compensation and resettlement options to affected residents, but they refused to accept the offer, leaving FCTA with no choice but to carry out the enforcement in the interest of the general public.

Wike, known for his no-nonsense approach to governance, personally supervised the demolition and emphasised that the affected buildings must give way for the project to continue, to enable the contractor deliver the job before the end of May this year.

He warned that his administration would no longer tolerate illegalities, pointing out that public interest must take precedence over illegal encroachments.

“I personally came here to supervise this demolition, and I want them to know that it’s no longer business as usual.

“We have given them more than two, three months. We have also provided compensation and a resettlement plan. What more is humane than that?

“You realize that I have been here more than four times. We have sat down with the community leaders and their chiefs. I have told them the need for them to cooperate with the government so that the contractor, CGC, will be able to complete this road and hand it over by May.”

“I did inform the traditional ruler that this work has to go on. No government will sit back and allow people to sabotage a public interest project, Wike said.”.

The FCT Minister, who maintained that provision, has been made for compensation funds. However, advised the affected Gishirii villagers to approach the Department of Compensation and Resettlement whenever they are ready to cooperate with the FCT Administration.

During the operation, some angry villagers who were seen throwing stones at the bulldozers were dispersed by security agencies.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji