By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike has addressed the concern of some Guzape communities over the impact of infrastructure development in the area by ordered compensation and proper relocation for the affected villages.
Wike gave this order during an inspection of the ongoing Guzape 2 project in Abuja on Wednesday.
He explained that the project, designated as A11 has stalled as a result of lack of fund, saying that the current FCT Administration was determined to ensure its completion.
The Minister emphasized that the present administration was committed to compensating and relocating affected communities, citing Guzape village where he disclosed compensation had already been made and relocation underway.
“Any village that is affected, we always compensate, like the one in C01, at the Guzape village. They were trying to relocate them. Compensation has been made,” he said.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment towards creating infrastructure and boosting economic opportunities in the capital city.
“We felt that the only way we can create, or make people develop, is to create infrastructure,” he said.
The Minister noted that the project was part of the government’s efforts to expand Abuja and create more cities, citing the example of Maitama II, which was awarded over 10 years ago.
“Today, by the grace of God, the Federal Executive Council has awarded that job for the provision of engineering infrastructure,” he said.
Reacting to the report of early closure of schools in the territory, the Minister stated that he was not aware of any circular to that effect and had never approved any school closure, describing it as unauthorized and misleading.
According to the Minister: “I was watching television last night and I saw a report that FCT has directed schools to be shut down. I couldn’t believe it, so I called the Mandate Secretary of Education, but he couldn’t reply. I had to get to the details, and I found out that the circular was given to all schools without our approval,” he said.
Wike announced that the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, had been suspended indefinitely, and the involved directors would face disciplinary action according to civil service rules.
“It’s unimaginable how people could take such a decision without the head of the affairs knowing. It’s very unfortunate,” he said.
The Minister assured that the FCT was safe and secure, with no credible threat warranting a school closure.
He emphasized that the security agencies were working to ensure the continuity of education in the territory.
“Kaduna has never shut down, Nassarawa has never shut down, and Kogi never shut down. So how will you say we were threatened?” he questioned.
END.
