Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed criticism from activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju over recent demolition actions in Abuja. Adeyanju, alongside Vincent Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, and other activists, protested the demolition of Ruga, a settlement along Airport Road, holding placards urging President Bola Tinubu to dismiss Wike. Adeyanju argued there was “no justification” for the demolition and called for presidential intervention.
In response, Wike characterized Adeyanju’s actions as “attention-seeking” and attributed them to “joblessness.” Addressing journalists, Wike claimed that Adeyanju had previously approached him seeking the role of National Publicity Secretary for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a request Wike rejected.
“I saw one young man, they call him Adeyanju. He is from Kogi State,” Wike stated. “This young boy came to me saying he wanted to be the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, and I said no. He was not selected, and I have no regrets. He’s now turned to a civil society activist simply because he has no job.”
Adeyanju’s remarks underscore growing concerns over the reach and impact of recent demolitions under Wike’s administration, while Wike defends his actions as necessary for the city’s development.
