• vows to go after Abuja masterplan violators
• Sets 6-month performance clock
By Stanley Onyekwere
The newly sworn-in 17th Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, alongside with the minister of state, Mariya Mahmud yesterday resumed official duties, with an assurance to prioritise improving the sanitary outlook of Abuja and curtailing security challenges in the city, within the next six months period.
Wike also cautioned all those who are distorting the master plan of Abuja, to desist from such, as the new administration will not hesitate to step on toes, in order to turnaround Abuja to be competing with other cities of the world.
Speaking at his inaugural press briefing, the Minister vowed to revoke undeveloped plots with Certificates of Occupancy (CofO) issued to the allottees as well as go after those involved in erecting illegal structures, trading indiscriminately, land racketeering, and taking over of green areas in the FCT.
Our correspondent reports that both Wike and Mahmud, who arrived FCTA Secretariat in Area 11 amid tight security, were accompanied by a mammoth crowd into the administration’s building.
According to Wike: “We have the mandate of the Mr. President and vice president to give a different narrative as far as FCT is concerned. They have given us the matching order that we must bring FCT back to what it is supposed to be. And we have the capacity to do that. So, it’s not a joke as it is not going to be business as usual.
“Now, is the time that we must show that Federal Capital Territory, Abuja should be one of the cities to be competing with other cities of the world. We cannot do it alone, we need the support of everybody particularly the media. So, the first point is we want the media know that this is what we want to do within the short, medium and long term.
“We cannot do everything within the short period in terms of physical infrastructure and the rest, but there are things that you are expected to within the short time we must do .
“Those that the government has given Certificate of Ownership and allocated lands to them, and refused to develop, but would rather become land speculators, the land is gone as I’m going to revoke them. I don’t understand how the government will give you land to develop, then you keep the land looking for the highest bidder, we will take back our land from you.”
He continued: “The issue of security is germine for us, as Mr. President has told me that whatever that is required, we must sure that Abuja is safe.
“Security has gone down. And this is supposed to be one of the safest places for people to be in. So, the issue of security must be tackled, as we are ready to provide the necessary logistics to all the security agencies, in order to do their work.
“We know the problems, but we cannot go and identify the criminals, it is their duty, our own duty is to provide them the necessary tools, and I don’t want any excuses. So, what we want os the result, and that must be done. If we don’t safeguard this place, then we are in trouble.
“We are not going to tolerate the issue of everywhere is market, as it must be within the limit of the law. Yes I know that things are difficult, but it doesn’t also mean that you must cause crisis for other people.
“In a city like Abuja, people are selling with umbrella under the trees. These things cause insecurity. No, we can’t allow it at all. So security people must map out a strategy on how we must move them out.
“We cannot also have everywhere as motor park and bus stops. It is not going to be allowed. I don’t care whom you’re, where you come from and what religion, what we know is that we must sanitise the place. My happiness is that the people of Abuja are happy.
“So, Minister of state and myself, we are going to work, to make sure we achieve this, that will make people say Abuja has returned to what it is supposed to be.”
