The lawmaker representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, Mr. Micah Jiba, has condemned the demolition of an FCT community, Akpanjiya, by the Federal Capital Development Authority Development Control.
Jiba who is also the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Area Councils And Auxiliary Matters, expressed his displeasure over the development when he visited the demolished community on Sunday morning.
The lawmaker said the demolition didn’t follow due process and had rendered thousands of natives and residents of FCT homeless, adding that it was not in the interest of the people.
“This community I am aware has never objected to the issue of resettlement and compensation, and I am also aware that the process and negotiations are ongoing and have not been completed.
“I must say that the department of resettlement and compensation should be called to order because it is really unfortunate that we are witnessing this kind of pathetic situation in Akpanjiya community.
“If they want these people to move immediately to Apo resettlement, they should be given a convenient time and proper compensation to make their movement easy, but that has not been done.
“As the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on FCT Area Councils Committee and Auxiliary Matters, we are going to set up a panel to investigate the matter,” he said.
Jiba, who could not hide his tears at the sight of the stranded natives, questioned why such action would be taken without first consulting the stakeholders in his constituency.
He stressed that the FCT administration and other stakeholders should have synergy on matters that bordered on the lives and property of natives.
However, Malam Muktar Galadima, Director, Department of Development Control, FCTA, while briefing newsmen after the demolition on Saturday, explained that the community had been marked for demolition since January this year.
Galadima said that prior to the demolition, the FCTA, through its relevant agencies, interfaced with residents of the settlement on the need for them to vacate the area.
According to him, the area falls under the corridor of the planned Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), and on one of the road interchanges linking Oladipo Diya Road, which is an arterial road with OSEX.
Source: Punch
