The National Chairman of Equity Alliance, Hon. Abdullahi Magaji Baba, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, for restoring the lost glory of the country’s capital city.
Hon. Baba, in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen, went down memory lane and said the Military Government of Gen Murtala Mohammed decided to move the capital from Lagos to a more central location after setting up a panel headed by Justice Akinola Aguda, who recommended the creation of FCT, which was established in 1976.
According to the Chairman, the FCT was planned to be culturally, ethnically, and religiously neutral. Hence, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) was established to develop the city, and construction commenced in earnest by former Presidents Shagari, Ibrahim Babangida, and Gen. Sani Abacha, respectively.
He said, “When former President Olusegun Obasanjo took over in 1999, he discovered that there was too much encroachment, violation of the Land Act, refusals to settle ground rent, building on the sewage, and many more irregularities.
That was why he appointed Malam Nasir Ahmad El Rufai to administer the city on his behalf between 2003 and 2007.
“The City witnessed several changes in terms of Infrastructural development, increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from 400 million naira only to the tune of billions of Naira within his four-year term after former president Obasanjo handed over to Late Umar Yar’Adua the reverse is the case, and the Federal Capital territory turns to something else, the criminals returned to the street, building on the sewage returned, refusals to pay ground rent returned.
“In 2023, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, after being sworn in as President, appointed Barrister Nyesom Wike as Minister of FCT, who decided to follow the footsteps of former FCT Minister Malam El Rufai.
“We can describe Barrister Wike as the successor of the best Minister of FCT because Wike is now intensifying efforts to make sure that those who refused to pay ground rent face the wrath of the law, and it’s obvious that lost development witnessed during El Rufai has returned, and the city is now well secured” he stressed.
Therefore, Hon. Baba urged FCT Minister Barrister Wike to keep up the task of restoring FCT’s lost glory while praying to God to protect him against all enemies of progress.
In a press statement issued to our correspondent, Alabura described Kumo as an exceptional individual with a unique blend of political acumen, administrative expertise, and philanthropic spirit.
He expressed confidence that Kumo’s leadership will usher in a transformative era for the ITF, driving growth and development in Nigeria’s industrial training.
“I have no doubt that he will bring his wealth of experience and passion to bear on his new role, steering the ITF towards greater heights.
“With Kumo at the helm, the ITF is poised to benefit from his strategic vision, administrative prowess, and philanthropic zeal.
“This appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the ITF, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact that Dattuwa Ali Kumo will make,” he said.
