By Obinna Uballa
Fresh outrage has trailed the order by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, directing the Department of Urban Control to pull down ongoing construction works at River Park Estate, Abuja.
During an inspection visit to the estate at the weekend, Wike accused developers of violating existing agreements and attempting to outsmart the FCT Administration. He specifically faulted Paulo Homes, which he described as a third party with “no business” with the government, for resuming construction despite a subsisting dispute.
According to him, the original developer, Ghanaian firm Jonah Capital, was operating on an expired Development Lease Agreement (DLA), which had already prompted the revocation of its Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in line with clause 9.2 of the lease terms. He said any subsequent arrangement with Paulo Homes contravened the law.
Wike alleged that Paulo Homes had rushed to erect structures in order to frustrate government action.
“What Paulo Homes did was overnight construction to tie the hands of the administration. Of course, you know we will not succumb to such,” he said.
The minister warned that any new construction at the estate would be demolished without hesitation.
“Anybody who is doing anything here now is at his own risk. It will go down. No amount of blackmail will stop us,” he declared.
Wike also dismissed claims that the FCTA was out to dispossess homeowners. He assured residents that the administration would revalidate genuine property rights and return Certificates of Occupancy to Nigerians who bought homes in good faith.
“We are going to invite residents who own property here for a meeting so that we can explain what we intend to do. So, there is no cause for alarm,” he added.
But despite his assurances, the fresh demolition order has drawn anger from affected developers and residents, many of whom accused the FCTA of high-handedness and policy inconsistency.
