The Abuja Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO) has called for the immediate suspension of demolition exercises in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The group's executive director, Commandant Isaac David, cited escalating tensions and alleged political manipulation of enforcement actions during a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday. David said ongoing demolitions affecting indigenous communities have sparked fear, legal disputes, and eroded trust between residents and government authorities. He accused unnamed political actors of seeking to exploit the situation to discredit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, through coordinated efforts to politicise demolition operations. The group urged Minister Wike to direct the Department of Development Control to pause all demolition activities until broader consultations are held with affected communities, traditional rulers, developers, and other stakeholders. AOIYEO also proposed the creation of a Fact-Finding and Advisory Committee to independently assess demolition requests, compensation claims, and land allocation disputes prior to any approvals. David warned that without transparent processes and inclusive engagement, continued demolitions risk deepening grievances, increasing litigation, and further weakening public confidence in governance within the FCT.
Commandant Isaac David claims political actors are exploiting FCT demolitions to undermine President Tinubu and Minister Wike, yet offers no evidence linking named individuals to such schemes. The call for a pause and a new committee does not erase the fact that his organisation is positioning itself as a key player without elected mandate. If demolitions are inflaming tensions, then halting them without verified safeguards may reward undeveloped land speculation by connected elites. The real test is whether AOIYEO demands accountability from its own members if they are found occupying land illegally.
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