The Coalition for Truth and Justice in Nigeria (CTJN) has said recent allegations against Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, are aimed at stalling infrastructural projects going on in the FCT.
The minister recently came under attack from several quarters after he announced plans to build houses for judges in the FCT.
Wike was also criticised for engaging in massive demolitions in satellite towns in the nation’s capital.
DAILY POST reports that a social media activist, VeryDarkMan, and a lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, were among those who criticised the minister, accusing him of land grabbing and plotting to influence the judiciary, among other allegations.
However, in a statement on Wednesday, the CTJN said the accusations against the minister were aimed at derailing the infrastructural projects that are going on in the FCT.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, convener of the CTJN, Dr. Agabi Emmanuel noted that under Wike, development of infrastructure has been prioritized, a development which he said differed from what was obtainable under previous FCT ministers.
The coalition noted that the ongoing projects are addressing population pressure, urban sprawl and neglected areas.
Agabi noted that the FCT is being transformed into a useful and aesthetically pleasing capital, with proactive measures addressing housing, transportation, healthcare, and governance infrastructure.
Responding to land grabbing allegations against the minister, he said Wike’s administration has reclaimed illegally occupied lands for mass housing projects.
Defending the planned construction of houses for judges, the coalition noted that the judicial officers deserve befitting accommodation.
It also noted that rural healthcare has seen significant investments while teacher welfare packages have been improved, and the FCT Civil Service Commission has been established to decentralize governance.
The coalition urged stakeholders to support the FCT Administration to promote peaceful coexistence, and security in the territory.
Agabi said, “Our findings revealed that the FCT administration under Nyesom Wike prioritized the provision of necessary infrastructures across the various area councils in the federal capital territory.
“In the past, the FCT has had problems because of population pressure, urban sprawl, and the disregard for important areas.
“Right now, FCT is being transformed into a useful and aesthetically pleasing capital thanks to the proactive measures made by Wike’s leadership to address these problems.
“Undoubtedly, a functional road network is a critical factor to urban development, economic activities, and the general well-being of residents.
“Recognizing this, it was also observed that the FCT Administration under Nyesom Wike has undertaken a major renovation of the road network within the Federal Capital City Centre.
“This is evident in the new look of the city centre and other adjourning areas in the federal capital territory. The FCT administration has also commissioned new roads in areas that were neglected by successive administrations in the country. These efforts are not merely about repairing roads but transforming them to meet modern urban standards.
“The FCT administration, led by Wike, has made large investments in security, which is a fundamental component of any flourishing community. The FCT Administration has also addressed the notorious issue of land grabbing in the FCT.
“The minister went a step further by reclaiming these lands which obviously are not backed with any legal or verifiable documents, and reallocating them for mass housing developmental projects.
“The FCT administration under Wike recently initiated steps towards providing befitting accommodation for judges.
“This in our opinion is brilliant and a welcome development in line with standard practices in other climes. It is believed that the members of the law deserve dignified living conditions.
“Supporting the judiciary is a step toward strengthening governance and promoting sustainable development.
“The Coalition for Truth and Justice in Nigeria recommends this brilliant initiative to other states in the country in our quest for sustainable growth and development.”
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