By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has vowed to ensure that hard times awaits criminals pilfering manhole covers from the highways of Abuja.
Wike said that those involved in such criminal acts will face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent for others.
He gave this warning on Monday after security agencies arrested no fewer than 50 criminals involved in the pilfering of manhole covers from the highways of the Capital Territory.
Wike lamented the illegal pilfering of sewage manhole covers thereby exposing the lives of citizens to danger, assured that all those involved in buying and selling of vandalized manhole covers and other vandalized public infrastructures will be apprehended and prosecuted for economic sabotage and putting.
However, the minister has commended Nigerians for showing patriotism in speaking against the vandalization, adding that “safeguarding public amenities is, first and foremost, the duty of Nigerians, who are the owners and users of the amenities.”
The FCT 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.”
The Minister, who commended the security agencies for their swift actions, described their collaborative efforts as “fantastic”.
He further assured FCT residents that their lives and properties are secured.
