Wike Pledges Fair Compensation For Owners Of Demolished Structures In Gishiri Village

FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike  (right) in the meeting with members of the Gishiri community impacted by the construction of the Arterial Road N16 in Abuja on Monday.

By Ignatius Ushie 

The Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to the payment of fair compensation to all owners of the recently demolished structures along the corridor of the Arterial Road N16 in Gishiri community, Katampe District, Abuja.

In a statement made available to Transport Day in Abuja, the FCT Minister made the pledge when he met with the representatives of the affected residents in Gishiri community, led by the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Maikalangu, in his Life Camp official residence in Abuja on Monday, March 17, 2024, to address their concerns.

The Minister emphasized that the demolition exercise was carried out in the interest of public good, specifically to open up Abuja and enhance its status as a world-class city, adding   that the project, which will see the completion of the Arterial Road N16, is not for personal gain but for the overall development of the FCT.

According to him, “There is no intention to suffer anybody,”  “Government is for the people. There is no government that comes and says I want to suffer these people. It’s not possible. The essence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is the Renewed Hope. People have lost hope in this country” he said .  I’m going to bring back that hope. So, let nobody have at the back of his or her mind that our intention is to suffer you. It’s not possible and we can’t do that.” Wike said.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by those affected, the Minister revealed that the initial compensation budget of N655 million was scaled up to N1.3 billion to mitigate the impact of economic hardship. He clarified that the compensation rates were determined by government valuation standards and assured that due process was followed to ensure fairness and transparency.

Barr. Wike also took a strong stance against any form of segregation in compensation payments, particularly between indigenous and non-indigenous residents, insisting that all owners of the affected structures must be duly compensated. “I’ve told you not to do that. There is nowhere in this world that there are non-indigenes,” the Minister asserted. “If I have a property and road is passing there, why will you not pay me my money? Why will you say I am non-indigene? Where does it work?”

The Minister directed officials responsible for the disbursement of compensation funds to ensure that all eligible owners of affected structures receive the full amount of their approved compensation. He warned against any form of malpractice, stating, “Go and pay them their money and the exact amount.”

Addressing HRH Bala Akusu, Chief of Gishiri village regarding reported uncooperative behavior, the Minister expressed disappointment, reminding the Chief of previous meetings and agreements. He emphasized the urgency of completing the project by May and cautioned against obstructing development efforts.

The Minister also cautioned traditional rulers against issuing threats or engaging in acts that could disrupt peace. “We cannot allow people to take laws into their hands. No threat can work. I’m here to help you and support you. Mr. President has said look, do this thing but in doing it, give them human face. But giving it human face does not mean that the job will not go on.”

He called for understanding and cooperation, particularly regarding the relocation process and the provision of essential services like water to satellite towns. He emphasized that the FCT Administration has demonstrated inclusivity by appointing indigenous residents to key positions, including the Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries.

“We have given you Head of Service, we have given you Permanent Secretaries, which has never happened, instead of you to rally round to support this government in what they are doing, you are issuing threats,” the Minister stated.

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development and urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure the successful completion of the Arterial Road N16 project.

Speaking earlier, representative of a youth group in Gishiri community, Adamu Godwin Umar thanked the FCT Minister for his support and commitment to addressing the issue of compensation for the affected residents.

He explained that the residents were not against the government’s compensation efforts but rather complained about the location proposed for their relocation, which he described as a swampy area. The Minister promised to visit the proposed relocation area on Wednesday.