The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has described comments ascribed to its minister, Nyesome Wike, that he planned to demolish 6000 houses in 30 communities as “false” and “sensationalist”.
Director of press in the office of the minister, Anthony Ogunleye, in a statement on Wednesday also denied reports that the FCT minister owned an armoured Lexus LX 600 worth N300million, explaining that the vehicle was only a “regular SUV.”
“These stories are entirely false and without any basis in reality,” the statement denied the reports trending in some section of the
Media.
According to Anthony, the minister neither pronounced the number of houses to be demolished nor in what communities the exercise would happen.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the minister did not in any of his pronouncements, list the areas or the number of illegal houses to be removed, rather his emphasis has always been that illegal settlements and structures would be removed for the greater good of the public,” he noted.
He explained that the minister has consistently demonstrated a commitment to responsible urban development and the welfare of the people even while he was the governor of Rivers State.
Wike according to him, has inline with this commitment assured residents within the FCT.
“The claim that he is orchestrating large-scale demolitions is not only inaccurate but also lacks credibility,” the statement said.
Ogunleye also described as “equally vexing,” a report that had stated the minister would fix Abuja in six days, adding that Wike had, at no time, said or alluded to the phrase in any way.
The director urged newsmen, bloggers and media outlets to verify information before disseminating it to the public, adding that fabricated stories “only serve to damage the reputation of respected public figures and create unnecessary anxiety amongst the citizenry.”
“The minister remained steadfast in his dedication to improving the quality of life for all residents of the FCT, and that any claims to the contrary were “purely the result of misinformation and should be treated as such,” Ogunleye said.
