A group of protesters under the aegis of ‘The Natives’ on Wednesday backed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his threat of demolition illegal structures in the FCT, saying the former governor of Rivers State was merely assuring Nigerians he would follow due process.
OsunDailyNG recalls that Wike had stirred reactions after vowing to demolish houses illegally constructed in the nation’s capital during a press briefing at his new office in Abuja on Monday.
The threat has unsettled many residents in the FCT, with many alleging that Wike might toe the path of ex-FCT Minister, Nasir El-Rufai, who developed a reputation for demolition in his bid to sanitise Abuja.
However, the pro-democracy demonstrators urged FCT residents to avoid panic over the ex-governor’s threat of demolition, saying he only stated the obvious.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the coordinator of ‘The Natives’, Edward Smart, said Wike is not threatening, adding that residents must make sacrifices to improve the country.
He said, “We are reassuring Nigerians not to be afraid. The country has to become greater and all of us will have to make sacrifice. Wike is not threatening.”
Edward also called on the newly inaugurated ministers to work hard to deliver on the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He urged President Tinubu to keep the ministers on their toes for greater output and force those who fail to live up to expectations to resign from office.
He said, “Hon. Ministers, come alive, wake up and rise up. You are 45 of the best amongst us, do not be a disgrace to us. Collectively and individually, we won’t tolerate failure. The entire country expects much from you and may your reign be prosperous.
“Ministers, we call on you to be on your toes and fold your sleeves. The task is enormous. You all have the pedigree to surmount them. You have Singapore, Rwanda, China before you as examples. This is a different journey. The president wants delivery and Nigerians want results. Remove all debris, clogs in the wheels, uproot all blockades, imbalances and impediments in your pathways.
“Our youths must find jobs. The country must be safe. Asiwaju our President has empowered you to create a paradigm shift. By this, you are commanded to think out of the box and equip yourself with the best team. Produce leagcies via knowledge and research, recreate and redesign your MDAs for greater output. Be deliberate. If you can’t, resign.”
