Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has vowed that those arrested by the security agencies for alleged involvement in the removal of sewage manhole covers on highways in Abuja would be made to face the full wrath of the law saying that it would serve as deterrent to others.
The minister also assured that government would ensure that all buyers and users of the vandalised manhole covers and other vandalized public infrastructures would be apprehended and prosecuted for economic sabotage and putting the lives of Nigerians at risk.
Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister, Lere Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
He said that no fewer than 50 suspected vandals were arrested for theft of manhole covers within the FCT while 25 vandalised manhole covers were recovered.
According to him, it was a demonstration of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) zero tolerance to criminalities, particularly vandalisation of public amenities.
The minister, who commended the security agencies for their prompt and decisive actions, described their collaborative efforts as “fantastic” and further assured residents of the FCT of the security of their lives and property.
He also commended Nigerians for showing patriotism in speaking against the vandalisation, adding that “safeguarding public amenities is first and foremost, the duty of Nigerians, who are the owners and users of the amenities.”
The minister urged Nigerians, especially residents of the FCT to continue to use the social media positively as was done on the removal of the manhole covers, promising that “the government will always act promptly.”
He said, “those stealing and buying amenities meant for the use of Nigerians are Nigerians themselves. They live among us and they are known. It is therefore important that patriotic Nigerians begin to expose them even before they carry out their devilish acts