Nyesom Wike Steps In: A Seven-Day Ultimatum For Resolving Gishiri Demolition Crisis

Minister Wike Calls for Swift Action on Land Allocation for Gishiri Residents

Listen up, folks. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has set the stage for a resolution to the ongoing crisis in Gishiri village. In a firm and decisive move, Wike has handed down a seven-day ultimatum to officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). Their mission? To allocate land for the resettlement of victims whose homes were demolished to pave the way for a critical road project in the Katampe District of Abuja. This ultimatum is not just about ticking boxes—it’s about ensuring justice and fairness for the affected community members.

Naija News has been keeping a close eye on this unfolding drama, and we’re here to break it down for you. Wike made this bold decision during a visit to the community on Wednesday, aiming to mediate the growing tension between the residents and the FCDA. The crux of the issue revolves around compensation and the relocation of the victims. It’s a situation that demands immediate attention, and Wike is stepping up to the plate.

Demolition Fallout: A Community in Turmoil

Let’s rewind for a moment to set the scene. Back in the Katampe District of Abuja, 455 houses and structures were demolished to make way for infrastructure development. Sounds straightforward, right? But here’s the kicker: the community members are crying foul, alleging that the land designated for their resettlement is a swampy mess—far from the ideal location approved by the minister. Can you blame them for feeling betrayed?

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Adding fuel to the fire, the residents voiced their frustrations during a meeting with Wike on Monday. They claimed that the compensation being offered to some affected individuals is woefully inadequate. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about dignity and respect. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Wike promised to visit the area himself to see the problem firsthand. And that’s exactly what he did on Wednesday.

Wike’s Direct Intervention: Accountability and Action

When Wike arrived at the community, he wasted no time in addressing the issue. He turned to the FCDA Director of Land, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, and demanded answers. Nwankwoeze laid out the options: two potential resettlement sites. The first was a 12-hectare plot with 58 plots near the Hope for Survival Orphanage, while the second was a smaller 1.7-hectare site with five plots behind the Local Education Authority Primary School. But here’s the twist—these plots hadn’t been allocated yet, as the FCDA wanted Wike to inspect the sites first.

Nwankwoeze explained, “We felt you would need to see the place first before we start allocating the land to them. We will merge the plots and design them into plots before we will give them.” It’s a reasonable approach, but Wike wasn’t having it. He cut straight to the chase, saying, “I don’t agree with you, and this should be the last time I will hear this complaint. I give you people one week. Go and allocate the land to the affected persons. If it is not enough, we will find another alternative. All this grammar, grammar, grammar, I don’t want to hear it.”

There you have it—a clear directive from the top. Wike isn’t just talking the talk; he’s walking the walk. This ultimatum is a call to action, a reminder that accountability and empathy are essential in resolving such disputes. The clock is ticking, and the FCDA has its work cut out for it. Let’s hope they rise to the occasion and deliver the justice the Gishiri residents deserve.