ABUJA — The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, has defended the administration against criticism over Saturday’s flooding in Abuja, stating that the problem predates Minister Nyesom Wike’s tenure and is worsened by scavengers stealing drainage covers .
CDA News Nigeria gathered that Olayinka, in a statement issued on Monday, dismissed accusations by lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju who blamed Wike for the incident . He questioned whether Wike could be held responsible for similar flooding recorded in 2019 and 2022 . “When there was flood in Abuja in 2019, as reported in the media, was it Wike that caused it?” Olayinka asked .
CDA News Nigeria reports that Olayinka identified the removal of drainage covers by scavengers as a significant factor, explaining that the exposed drains become clogged with refuse . He noted that the FCT Administration is already taking steps to address the problem, including reviewing the 1979 Abuja Master Plan to accommodate new realities and introducing drainage covers designed to be impossible for scavengers to remove .
The flooding, which affected areas including Wuse, Katampe, Gaduwa, and Gwarinpa , has reignited debate over drainage infrastructure, urban planning, waste disposal and flood management in the Federal Capital Territory . Despite the defence, residents have blamed the conversion of green areas and inadequate drainage for the worsening situation .
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