A large number of pro-democracy demonstrators on Wednesday declared support for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike over his plan to demolish illegal structures in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The demonstrators who allayed the fear of several residents said that the former governor of Rivers State had pledged to follow due process.
Truth Live News had reported that Wike on assumption of office as the FCT minister vowed to demolish houses illegally constructed in the nation’s capital during a press briefing at his new office in Abuja on Monday.
Wike’s threat had sent shivers down the spine of many residents in the FCT, with many alleging that the former Rivers governor might toe the path of ex-FCT Minister, Nasir El-Rufai, who developed a reputation for demolition in his bid to sanitize Abuja.
However, a group of protesters under the aegis of The Natives backed Wike, saying the panic over the minister’s alleged threat of demolition should not unsettle residents of the FCT.
Coordinator of The Natives, Edward Smart while speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, insisted that Wike only stated the obvious.
His words: “We are reassuring Nigerians not to be afraid. The country has to become greater and all of us will have to make sacrifices. Wike is not threatening.
“Wike was only demanding and asserting to do the right thing,” he said.
Edward charged the newly inaugurated ministers to work hard to deliver on the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of the President.
Similarly, the demonstrators also urged the president to keep the appointees on their toes and force those who fail to live up to expectations to resign from office.
“Hon. Ministers, come alive, wake up and rise up. You are 45 of the best amongst us, do not be a disgrace to us. Collectively and individually, we won’t tolerate failure. The entire country expects much from you and may your reign be prosperous
“Ministers, we call on you to be on your toes and fold your sleeves. The task is enormous. You all have the pedigree to surmount them. You have Singapore, Rwanda, China before you as examples. This is a different journey. The president wants delivery and Nigerians want results. Remove all debris, clogs in the wheels, uproot all blockades, imbalances, and impediments in your pathways.
“Our youths must find jobs. The country must be safe. Asiwaju our President has empowered you to create a paradigm shift. By this, you are commanded to think out of the box and equip yourself with the best team. Produce legacies via knowledge and research, recreate and redesign your MDAs for greater output. Be deliberate. If you can’t, resign.”