.Says shanties demolished based on security threats
By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Chief of Kado Village, Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, His Royal Highness, Etsu Danlami Audu has denied allegations that he invited Federal Capital Territory Development Authority, FCDA, officials to demolish houses belonging to none indigenes in his community.
In an exclusive interview with AljazirahNigeria the Audu described the claims as “side talks with no evidence” propagated by those not leaving within his community.
He explained that officials of the FCDA’s Department of Development Control, had last week stormed the community following a security report which alleged the presence of criminal elements in shanties around the area, adding that the operation was not targeted at genuine people in his community but at illegal occupants and makeshift structures identified by security operatives as security threats.
According to him, as soon as he received information about the exercise, he mobilised his subjects and immediately called the Chairman of AMAC, Honourable Christopher Maikalangu, who rushed to the scene with his executive members to intervene.
He said: “I went through a lot because I was invited to the scene by the officials from FCDA who came in with their director. They told me there was a security report in my community. I opposed it because there had been no such incidents before.
“But they said the directive came from the Minister’s office,” the traditional ruler recounted.
He further explained that the first wave of the demolition was restricted to shanties and suspected criminal hideouts. However, he noted that tension escalated in the community after FCDA officials allegedly returned without prior notice which sparked panic among residents who feared that their homes will also be marked for demolition.
According to him, the intervention of AMAC chairman helped calm the situation.
“When Hon. Maikalangu came, he asked them the reason for the demolition. They showed him their evidence and security report even as he pleaded with them not to touch the community’s main settlements, and they promised to limit their operation to identified spots.”
The chief further explained that despite his efforts, some residents still accused him of receiving money to allow the demolition.
He therefore, dismissed such allegations as false and unfounded. “I did not receive any money from anyone. God knows I tried my possible best to protect my subjects both Indigenes and non-indigenes,” adding that anyone with proof of wrongdoing should come forward publicly.
He also addressed claims of land sales, stating that “My father was a humble man who supported development, but he never sold land to anyone illegally. I am carrying on his legacy of fairness and transparency.”
He then urged members of the public to always verify information from FCDA officials.
On the plight of those displaced, the chief appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, to temper justice with mercy. “Many of these people now have nowhere to go. I have been telling the authorities to consider their situation because relocation is not easy.”
The traditional ruler equally added that most of those evicted were non-indigenes and squatters whose activities had attracted security attention to the area.
Reaffirming his leadership philosophy, the chief said he is committed to serving everyone in Kado Village, irrespective of ethnicity or religion. “As a chief, my love is for everybody and not just for one group.
“My subjects know me very well; I am a humble and open leader of all,” he stated.
Audu, therefore urged media practitioners and members of the public to seek more clarification on the matter from the FCDA for a better understanding of circumstances surrounding the removal of shanties.
Reps Inaugurates C’ttee on Cryptocurrency, POS operations in Nigeria
.Advocate strong regulatory framework
Speaker, House of Representatives Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, has inaugurated an Ad-Hoc Committee to examine the economic, regulatory, and security implications of cryptocurrency adoption and Point of Sale, POS, operations in Nigeria.
In his address during the inauguration held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, on Monday, the Abbas informed that the move underscores the 10th House determination to ensuring that emerging financial technologies contribute positively to national development while citizens are absolutely protected from all kinds of associated risks.
He commend the committee’s chairman, Honourable Richard Olufemi Bamisile and other members for their passion in driving the initiative.
The speaker also expressed confidence that the committee would show diligence throughout its assignment to develop a robust and responsible digital financial ecosystem that will ensure transparency in all methods of operations.
He observed that the formation of the committee in the 10th House under his leadership marked a critical step toward establishing a vibrant, safe, and well-regulated trade in cryptocurrencies as well as in other digital assets marketing.
The Speaker also emphasised the House’s readiness to addressing the economic and security implications of digital transactions across all sectors and most particularly given the rapid growth of crypto activities and POS operations across Nigeria.
He used the occasion to highlight Nigeria’s resilient economy which he said has consistently continued to recover from recessions as well as record strong performance in non-oil sectors across board.
He, however, observed that such resilience in the economic sector has consistently creates more fertile ground for the growth of digital trade such as cryptocurrencies and others.
The Speaker also warned that expansion of cryptocurrency must be properly regulated through effective legislation inorder to prevent exploitation by criminal elements who may claim smart along the way.
In this vein, he cautioned that cryptocurrency operations carry significant risks, including potential use for terrorism financing and money laundering, due to their opaque and decentralized nature urging stakeholders to sit up to prevent such illegality and criminally minded individuals from operations.
Lack of clear governance structures and accountability mechanisms could makes the industry vulnerable, necessitating immediate and comprehensive regulation in the country, he said.
He explained that the 10th House under his leadership has resolved to create the ad-hoc committee inorder to design a legislative and regulatory and consumer protection framework for Virtual Assets Service Providers in the country.
According to him, this measure will ensure transparency as well as safeguard consumers, and promote confidence in the use of digital assets while protecting national security and financial stability.
He therefore tasked members of the panel to be patriotic, diligent, and transparent in their work even as he also reaffirmed the House’s commitment to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms to ensure effective protection of all Nigerians from illicit financial activities.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee Honourable Bamidele, said the mandates of his Committee includes that of examining the opportunities and challenges of digital payments for the purpose of safeguarding financial system and key stakeholders.
