Wike orders car delears to vacate parks, gardens

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered car dealerships to vacate green areas, parks and gardens in Abuja. The minister condemned the use of designated spaces, including Millennium Park, for car lots and directed close monitoring of unauthorized uses to ensure compliance. This directive followed Wike's order to demolish structures obstructing designated water channels and green spaces across the capital, just four days after heavy rain flooded parts of Abuja, disrupting traffic and causing businesses to temporarily shut down.

The demolitions were carried out after Wike inspected flood-affected areas, including Maitama, Wuse 1, and Wuse 2, with the task force to enforce the directive continuing until Saturday. Those affected by the demolitions accused the authorities of catching them off guard. Wike defended the demolition, stating that removing structures obstructing water channels is necessary to prevent flooding and restore free water flow.

He rejected criticisms over the process, arguing that those who erected structures on water channels were not following the law. The FCT Administration has been increasing its efforts to remove encroaching structures as part of flood control measures, following heavy rainfall in Abuja.