Wike: I’ll Supervise Demolition of Structures Obstructing Shehu Shagari Road Extension

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has vowed to supervise the immediate demolition of structures obstructing the expansion of Shehu Shagari Road in Gishiri, Katampe District.

He said the move would allow the contractors to hand over the road also known as Arterial Road N16 by May this year.

He decried the non-cooperative attitude of the community, who were protesting by throwing projectiles at the demolition team, despite entreaties to their leaders to accept relocation alternatives offered to affected residents.

The minister said after the traditional ruler pleaded one week grace, the FCT Administration made available money for the compensation of those affected, in addition to providing a place for their resettlement.

“But with all these assurances, it does appear from what I got in the report that work is still going on. And I did inform the traditional ruler that this work has to go on. And no government would fall in steps and allow people to sabotage the interest of the public. It is not as if anybody is coming to acquire land to build houses.

“So I called them from Milan that I’m going to be personally here to supervise this demolition. And that’s what I came for, letting them know that it’s no longer going to be business as usual,” Wike said.

Wike said the administration would not tolerate any actions that undermine public interest, asserting that the demolition was necessary for the timely completion of the road.

He urged affected affected residents to work with the authorities to finalise their relocation arrangements, insisting the road project was completed as scheduled.

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