Rating FCT Ministers Based On Demolition, Destruction Of Property Absurd – Bello

Mallam Mohammed Bello, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has criticised Nigerians who rate successive administrations in the FCT based on the demolition exercises they carry out, saying more often than not, nobody takes into consideration the negative impact, especially flouting stipulated laws. 

According to Bello, no minister of the FCT derives joy in pulling down already erected structures but despite notices served on developers to discontinue work, they feign ignorance and continue with their work. 

Bello gave these explanations on Thursday, when he featured at the 40th media briefing series coordinated by the Presidential Media Team, at the State House, Abuja. 

He said when developers build houses on flood plains at the expense of the residents and they have to suffer when flash floods occur, managers of the FCTA would have no choice than to pull down such buildings for public good. 

His reactions came when he was asked why estate lands are also affected in the latest demolition exercises, when it must have passed through diligent allocation processes from the administration. 

He said need to clarify my comment on demolitions and put it in the proper context. What I was saying is that it’s unfair for the general public to rate ministers based on destruction and demolition of property. So that is the main context as I said and I was bashed because I was not demolishing. And I told you, that was why my team felt that let’s empower the institutions that were supposed to do all this to make sure that they prevent illegal buildings from even coming up, so that you don’t need to demolish them. 

“But having said that, of course we demolish and we will continue to demolish. As a matter of fact, as we are seated here, a team is demolishing somewhere already today. And these things will continue because no matter how you try, they are those who still would not want to follow regulations.”