Featured

We Were Not Given Prior Notice, Victims Lament As FCDA Demolishes Abuja Houses, Churches

Published

3 years ago

December 9, 2021

Eric

The Federal Capital Development Authority has demolished two residential buildings and three churches in Gyadna, a community in the Abuja Metropolitan Area Council.

The buildings were pulled down around 2pm on Tuesday by FCDA officials who were accompanied by armed policemen.

But owners of the buildings said they were not given prior notice before the buildings were destroyed.

One of them, Johnson Oyewole, whose four-bedroom bungalow was mowed down, said he was being victimised for petitioning the National Assembly over an alleged fraud perpetrated by FCDA officials in the payment of compensation to homeowners in the community.

Oyewole explained that he had just stepped out to get something when a neighbour phoned him that his house was being pulled down.

He stated, “I was not given any prior notice about the demolition. I had just stepped out when they came with their bulldozers and brought my apartment down.

“They did not allow me to salvage any of my personal effects, including clothes, documents, furniture, foodstuff, television set and other things. Everything was buried under the rubble.

“To prove that it was an act of mischief and wickedness, a building that had been marked for demolition was spared while mine was destroyed. They demolished the house because I challenged the fraud being perpetrated in the compensation scheme for landlords in Gyadna.

“The case is still being probed by the National Assembly, Public Complaints Commission, National Human Rights Commission and other agencies, but FCDA disregarded due process.”

Another victim, Mr Peter Ekeh, lamented the demolition of his seven-room bungalow, stating that he was not given advance notice.

Ekeh, who was salvaging some possessions from the rubble alongside his wife and daughter when PUNCH Metro got to the scene, admitted that he had been compensated by the FCDA.

He, however, noted that 30 per cent of the money was taken by “the youth and chief in Gyadna.”

The Pastor of Evangelism Miracle Bible Revelation Movement, Kelechi Okpara, said his church and apartment were demolished while he was inside the house.

“The officials did not give me advance notice before the demolition. My wife just had a baby about two weeks ago; now, I don’t have a place to stay,” he lamented as sympathisers and church members salvaged items from the rubble.

The Director, Development Control Department, FCDA, Kwamkur Garba, could not be reached for comment on Wednesday as calls to his phone rang out.

He had yet to respond to a text message seeking his reaction to the allegations levelled against his office.

The Punch

Featured

Tinubu Appoints Ex-Lagos Transport Comm., Opeifa, As Railway Corporation MD

Published

9 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Eric

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has appointed Dr. Kayode Opeifa as the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), a move widely praised for its strategic significance.

Dr. Opeifa, a renowned transportation expert and former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, is celebrated for his transformative policies that redefined public transport and traffic management in one of Africa’s busiest cities.

During his tenure as Commissioner, Dr. Opeifa introduced reforms that significantly eased traffic congestion, improved public transportation systems, and laid a solid foundation for Lagos State’s rapid urban growth.

His expertise extended to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where he served as Transport Secretary, implementing forward-thinking policies that enhanced mobility in the nation’s capital.

In his new role, Dr. Opeifa is expected to spearhead the modernization of Nigeria’s railway network, a critical infrastructure component for the nation’s economic advancement.

Industry stakeholders have expressed optimism about his appointment, highlighting his extensive experience in transportation planning and infrastructure development as assets for implementing sustainable solutions.

“This is a timely and commendable appointment,” noted one transportation expert. “Dr. Opeifa’s deep understanding of Nigeria’s transportation challenges makes him the ideal candidate to drive meaningful reforms in the railway sector.”

The Tinubu administration’s decision underscores its commitment to appointing competent professionals to execute its Renewed Hope agenda. With Dr. Opeifa at the helm, there is growing anticipation that the NRC will achieve improved connectivity, efficiency, and broader contributions to national development.

Featured

SERAP Demands Reversal of Hike in Telecom Tariff

Published

15 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Eric

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded the reversal of the recent 50% hike in telecom tariffs, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to the Federal government.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), on January 20, 2025, announced regulatory approval for telecom operators to raise tariffs by 50 per cent. The agency said the tariff hike will help the operators improve the country’s telecommunication infrastructure.

The tariff hike follows agitations from the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) to review call tariffs upwards.

SERAP described the increase as “unlawful” and warned of impending legal action if the government and telecom operators fail to reverse the decision.

“The Tinubu administration and telcos must immediately reverse the unlawful increase in calls and data costs. We’ll see in court if the 50% tariff hike is not reversed within 48 hours,” the group declared.

SERAP’s ultimatum reflects growing public dissatisfaction over the hike, with many Nigerians expressing concerns about its impact on the cost of living.

The organization also insisted that the tariff hike violates the rights of consumers and threatens access to affordable communication services.

“This increase is not only unjustifiable but also unlawful. It risks undermining the accessibility of essential communication services for millions of Nigerians,” SERAP’s statement read.

Featured

Gov Adeleke Mourns Late Erelu Ayeni, Says She Was Exceptional

Published

3 days ago

January 20, 2025

Eric

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Erelu (Mrs.) Anthonia Abiodun Ayeni, fondly known as “Mama Yemi” or “Madam YEMKEM.”

Speaking during a condolence visit to the family of the late Erelu Ayeni, Governor Adeleke described her as a pillar of strength and an embodiment of grace and hospitality. He fondly recalled her warmth and kindness, particularly during his visits to Oye-Ekiti, where she consistently made him feel at home.

“Erelu was an exceptional woman who treated me with the utmost care and respect. Her kindness and thoughtfulness were unparalleled,” Adeleke remarked.

The Governor recounted how Erelu Ayeni and her husband played a significant role in supporting his political journey. “When I shared my intention to run for governor, they not only prayed for me but also stood by me as pillars of encouragement. Even during the challenging aftermath of my first gubernatorial election, their unwavering support remained a source of strength,” he said.

Governor Adeleke further extolled Erelu Ayeni’s virtues as a loving wife, devoted mother, and a beacon of hope and support to her community. He emphasized that her exemplary character and selfless commitment to others had left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.

“Mama Yemi’s generosity and steadfast faith will be deeply missed. While we mourn her departure, we take solace in the fact that she is now resting in the bosom of the Lord,” Adeleke concluded.

The Governor’s tribute was a testament to the profound impact Erelu Ayeni had on those around her, as family, friends, and well-wishers continue to mourn her loss.