BEVERLY HILLS, February 12, (THEWILL) – 40 years in the life cycle of humans underscores the peak of maturity. The common maxim that life begins at 40 readily comes to play. As with humans, 40 years is enough to perfect every dream concerning a situation. It is against this backdrop that the recent anniversary milestone of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Abuja becomes a matter of interest.
On February 3, 1976, the late Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed, proclaimed Abuja the new Federal Capital Territory. The actual relocation did not however take place until December 12, 1991, during the era of former Military leader, General Ibrahim Babangida. Among reasons advanced for the creation was to free the former capital, Lagos, from the multi-faceted challenges that had arisen from its over-growth.
Practically everything in Lagos had become over-stretched; from roads to housing, foods, water and other social amenities amongst others. General Mohammed’s dream was to create a befitting capital that was geographically central and ethnically neutral to all the federating units. This prompted the Abuja master plan aimed at breaking away from the horrible experiences of old. It was for this reason that the indigenous settlers were ordered to move out of their lands, with the promise to re-settle them in befitting city structures.
THEWILL however notes that four decades after, those whose lands were forcefully grabbed by government are yet to be fully settled.
Curiously, the comprehensive design which was charted for the FCT; where all inhabitants would have equal sense of belonging, is yet to be realized. 40 years down the lane, Abuja has rolled back to abyss of the old Lagos. Today, the FCT has been hijacked by shylock landlords, political and business emperors, whose constructions and business interests have robbed the territory of the modern super city infrastructures envisioned by the planners. The city has become notorious for vehicular gridlocks like never before. Nonetheless, while the FCT is battling with 40 years of unfulfilled dreams, President Muhammadu Buhari ironically visited Ogun State recently to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had celebrated the FCT at 30, during which he rekindled hope that the Abuja master plan would be actualized. Unfortunately, the drift has continued, with dwellers in the satellite villages living in squalor and abject poverty. These adjoining towns still depict gloomy pictures of disconnected folks, where there are make-shift shanties, lack of portable water, electricity, roads and drainages among others. From Mpape to Bwari, Gwagwalada to Kubwa and Nyanya to Karmo, it is a tale of lamentations. So are Lugbe, Karu, Jikwoyi, Masaka, Dutse, Dei Dei, Mararaba and other satellite villages.
THEWILL also notes that outside the issue of development, there is the leadership question. The no-man’s land tag, envisioned for the territory has not been demonstrated, as regime after regime, the appointment of successive FCT Ministers have been made from northern Nigeria. This clearly negates the spirit of oneness, which the relocation was meant to serve.
THEWILL therefore urges the present administration of President Buhari to redeem the original plan for the FCT and revive the vision that propelled its birth. The present illegal construction of housing and commercial developments on flood drains, green areas, recreational centres, city monuments and urban farming areas, must not be allowed to continue.
Apart from ensuring that the original master plan for the city is strictly adhered to, THEWILL charges the president government to revisit the issue of the indigenous people and resettle them accordingly. We urge government to intervene by developing the satellite villages. This it can do, by constructing low-cost houses and providing basic living and social amenities for the residents.
