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FCTA Begins Demolition Of 500 Illegal Structures
The Department of Development Control, Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has begun demolition of over 500 illegal structures at the popular Karmo market, Abuja.
The director of the department, Mukhtar Galadima, explained during the exercise on Wednesday, that the demolition followed the expiration of the 24-hour demolition notices issued to the traders.
Recall that the department had on Monday, served 24-hour demolition notices to operators of the illegal markets and shanties marked for demolition along Karmo – Dei-Dei road corridor.
Mr Galadima, who was represented by Mr Garba Jibril, an Assistant Director and the Sector Monitor in charge of Karmo and other districts, said that the demolition exercise followed due process.
He added that the operators of the illegal markets and owners of the illegal structures and shanties have been duly notified and given enough time to evacuate their valuables.
He explained that demolition was necessary considering the huge traffic gridlock being experienced along the road corridor, especially during market days.
“It is a known fact that people spend hours just to pass through the road, particularly during market days.
“To address the challenge, the Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike had directed that all illegal structures, shanties, and informal markets along the road corridor should be demolished and removed.
“This will allow free flow of traffic on the road corridor and make life easy for the road users,” he said.
He advised the affected traders to relocate to the fully built and equipped market in the area.
He added that the market operators have agreed to allow the affected traders to occupy a shop free for one year before paying any rent at a subsidised rate, including other incentives.
On his part, Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary, Command and Control Centre, Department of Security Services, FCTA, said that the clearance would equally improve security in the area.
“There are a lot of shanties and unplanned settlements that people occupy in the area and some of the people commit various types of crime, particularly in the night.
“The demolition will ensure a serene environment that will not be too comfortable for criminals to operate,” Mr Olumuji said.
On the possibility of the traders returning to the road, the secretary said that arrangements have been concluded with the Divisional Police Officer in the area to arrest any trader that operates along the road.
NAN
Prince Kayode Adewale, a contestant for the vacant Owa-Obokun of Ijesa land throne, has urged the Osun state government and traditional kingmakers to rely on oracles and deities in selecting the next monarch of the ancient town.
Prince Adewale of the Owa Bilaro Oluodo Royal Family, made the call during a press conference in Ilesa, Osun State, on Thursday.
He noted that the Ifa oracle, along with the Obokun and Ogun deities, should be the determining factors in the selection process.
The stool became vacant following the passing of Oba Gabriel Aromolaran, who joined his ancestors on September 11, 2024, after a 42-year reign.
As the contest intensifies, an Osun State High Court, presided over by Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe, has restrained Governor Ademola Adeleke and others from appointing a new Owa-Obokun from the Haastrup family or any other candidate.
Amid the ongoing legal battles, Prince Adewale reaffirmed his interest in the throne, advocating for adherence to traditional processes to ensure fairness and legitimacy.
He said: “The Owa Obokun stool is not for sale. In Ijesaland when it’s comes to selection of a new King the Ifa, Obokun and Ogun deities will be consulted and the person that has the highest vote from them will emerge as the king.”
Declaring his intention, Adewale said he is committed to standardizing mining practices and implementing robust land reclamation policies.
“Ijeshaland is blessed with abundant natural resources, particularly in gold mining. However, our gold resources must be harnessed responsibly and sustainably. Under my leadership, I will work towards the standardization of gold mining practices, ensuring that this wealth benefits the people of Ijeshaland while preserving our environment for future generations.”
The House of Representatives on Thursday approved the extension of the implementation of the capital component of the 2024 budget from 31 December 2024 to 30 June 2025.
Leader of the House, Hon Julius Ihonvbere, laid the report of the report of the bill seeking the extension as the House dissolved into the Committee of Supply to consider it.
It is titled, “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Appropriation Act, 2024 to extend the implementation of the Capital Component of the Appropriation Act, 2024 from 31 December, 2024 to 30 June, 2025 and for Related Matters (HB.2023)”
Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who announced the adjournment of plenary to January 14, 2025, urged members to work hard in their various to ensure that the prompt passage of the 2025 budget upon resumption.
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) on Thursday condemned in strong terms the suspension of 18 local government chairmen and councillors in Edo state by the House of Assembly.
Governor Monday Okpebholo had accused the suspended chairmen of disobeying his instructions by allegedly refusing to submit their financial records to the state government.
However, the ALGON’s National Executive Council (NEC) and its Board of Trustees (BoT) on Thursday jointly condemned the decision saying the governor and lawmakers did not give the council chairmen fair hearing to defend themselves.
The association at an emergency meeting in Katsina state, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, emphasising the need to respect the autonomy and independence of local governments as guaranteed by the nation’s constitution and recent ruling by the Supreme Court.
“ALGON views this suspension as a setback for democracy and abuse of power, particularly since the chairmen were not given a chance to defend themselves.
“This suspension is invalid. It contradicts the Supreme Court’s judgment granting local governments autonomy,” the ALGON National Publicity Secretary, Hamisu Anani, in a statement said.
Anani stated that if the Edo State House of Assembly’s decision was right, it would not have generated criticisms across the length and breadth of the country.
“This suspension is unconstitutional; it is null and void.
“ALGON is hereby urging the Edo State House of Assembly to reverse the decision and respect the rule of law to strengthen democratic governance.
“ALGON also appeals to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt this abuse of power,” the statement said.
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