Kingibe Advises Wike to Understand FCT Dynamics Prior to Making Demolition Threats 

Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has called on Nyesom Wike, the newly-appointed Minister for the territory, to thoroughly understand the unique complexities of the city before making any decisions about any demolition. Kingibe spoke with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, responding to Wike’s initial threats of demolition made on his first day in the role.

While she acknowledged that certain buildings on floodplains and waterways may need to be removed, Kingibe emphasized that Wike should take a comprehensive approach to the proposed demolition.

Kingibe said, “I am not talking of any random demolition that the minister has not been here long enough to have studied everything holistically, and I feel like he needs to take time to look at the whole picture of the FCT and then decide.” 

In highlighting the constraints of Wike’s role as Minister for the FCT, Senator Ireti Kingibe pointed out that Wike doesn’t operate unilaterally, but rather, in conjunction with the national assembly and the president. 

Kingibe’s comments imply that if Wike does decide to proceed with the controversial demolition, he may find himself at odds not only with lawmakers but also with residents of the FCT. The ambiguity surrounding Wike’s plans makes it unclear how these tensions will unfold.