{
  "id": 5611547,
  "title": "Ex-lawmaker backs Wike’s demolition of buildings on waterways",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/ex-lawmaker-backs-wikes-demolition-of-buildings-on-waterways-5611547",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-04T18:14:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/ex-lawmaker-backs-wikes-demolition-of-buildings-on-waterways/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former lawmaker Sam Onuigbo has expressed support for FCT Minister Nyesom Wike's ongoing demolition of buildings obstructing waterways and drainage channels in Abuja. Onuigbo, now President of Globe Legislators International, argued that protecting lives and public interest should take precedence over individual interests. He emphasized that structures obstructing natural water channels put thousands of residents at risk of flooding. The demolition began following renewed flooding in parts of the capital, with Wike inspecting affected areas and ordering the removal of obstructive structures. Wike also directed the FCT Department of Development Control to identify and remove such structures, regardless of their owners' status. Onuigbo stated that individuals should not endanger others by building obstructive structures and that the overriding public interest justified the demolition. He praised Wike's efforts in restoring sanity and protecting lives and property in the nation's capital.",
  "summary": "A former lawmaker supports FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s demolition of buildings on Abuja waterways, citing overriding public interest to prevent flooding. Read More: https://punchng.com/ex-lawmaker-backs-wikes-demolition-of-buildings-on-waterways/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Ex-lawmaker backs Wike’s demolition of buildings on waterways",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/ex-lawmaker-backs-wikes-demolition-of-buildings-on-waterways",
        "published": "2026-09-04T18:06:29.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}