- Minister Nyesom Wike responded sharply to activist Deji Adeyanju’s criticism of demolitions in Abuja, calling him "jobless" and accusing him of protesting due to his failed political ambitions
- Protests had erupted after the demolition of the Ruga settlement in Abuja, with Adeyanju leading the charge to demand government intervention
- Wike defended the action as necessary for urban development and slammed Adeyanju as a political reject
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has fired back at activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, following his criticisms of recent demolitions in Abuja.
Adeyanju, along with Vincent Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, had led a protest against the demolition of the Ruga settlement along Airport Road last Friday, November 9.
The protesters condemned the move, calling it unjustifiable, and urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the matter.
Wike, however, dismissed Adeyanju’s protests, calling the activist “jobless” and accusing him of engaging in civil activism out of frustration due to his inability to secure meaningful employment.
In an interview with select journalists on Wednesday, November 13, Wike recounted a personal encounter with Adeyanju from years ago when the activist sought a political role in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Wike revealed that Adeyanju had approached him, asking to be appointed as the PDP National Publicity Secretary.
According to the former Governor of Rivers State, he turned down the request, saying, "This young man, Adeyanju, from Kogi State, came to me wanting to be the PDP National Publicity Secretary, but I said no."
Wike further explained that he had no regrets about his decision, suggesting that Adeyanju’s continued activism was a result of his current lack of a political position or job.
"He’s now jobless and taking to protests because he has nothing else to do," Wike added.
The minister also accused Adeyanju of turning to activism to fill the void left by his failed political ambitions, though Wike did not explicitly say whether he believed Adeyanju’s activism was disingenuous or politically motivated.
The controversy began when Wike, as FCT Minister, oversaw the demolition of certain illegal settlements in Abuja, including the controversial Ruga settlement.
The demolitions have sparked protests from some residents and civil groups who have questioned the fairness and humanitarian aspects of the action. Adeyanju, known for his outspokenness on social issues, was particularly vocal against the demolition, arguing that it was an unjust move that disproportionately affected vulnerable communities.
Wike, in defending the demolitions, argued that the actions were necessary to restore order in the city, saying that certain developments were illegal and had been carried out without proper approval or planning.
The minister maintained that his goal was to make Abuja a safer and more organised city, and that any actions taken would always be in line with the law.
In response to Adeyanju's protest, Wike suggested that Adeyanju had no real solutions to offer and had simply resorted to criticism and public demonstrations in an effort to stay relevant.
FG issues 60-day deadline for titled property owners to settle outstanding payments or lose C of O
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Federal Government imposed a 60-day deadline for owners of titled properties across the nation to settle any unpaid ground rent and statutory charges, or risk losing their Certificates of Occupancy (C of O).
Minister Musa Dangiwa emphasised the critical role of these funds in national development.
