Abuja indigenes demand investigation into alleged compensation fraud involving FCDA Official
Indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called for a comprehensive investigation into allegations of fraudulent activities in the compensation and resettlement process for those affected by the demolition of structures in Gishiri Village, Abuja.
A total of 455 houses and structures located on a designated road corridor were demolished to facilitate a road project.
However, reports circulating in the media suggest that individuals affected by the demolitions were defrauded by officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
These allegations surfaced following a meeting between the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, and community leaders. The reports specifically named Mr Richard Dauda, the Acting Executive Secretary of the FCDA, as being implicated in the alleged misconduct.
Responding to these claims, several civil society organisations in the FCT, through a joint statement issued on Tuesday, urged the FCT Minister to launch a thorough inquiry into the matter.
The statement, which underscored the need for transparency and accountability, was signed by prominent representatives, including Isaac Isaac, President of the Abuja Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment Organisation, and Mr Umar Makeri, Youth Leader of the FCT Youth Network.
Other signatories included Sarki Yemi, Women Leader of the Abuja Original Inhabitants Women Association, and Mr Yunusa Yusuf, Chief Ambassador of Abuja Grassroots Ambassadors and the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs.
The organisations called for an impartial probe into the allegations, asserting that Mr Dauda had been unjustly accused.
They insisted on a fair hearing to allow him the opportunity to clear his name, arguing that an official statement from the Director of Press, Office of the Minister, had already absolved the FCDA official of any wrongdoing.
According to the group, the focus should remain on ensuring just compensation for all owners of demolished structures in Gishiri Village, regardless of their indigenous status.
“We, as civil society organisations in the FCT, have been closely monitoring the demolition, compensation, and resettlement of those affected in Gishiri Village.
“Our independent investigations confirm that no compensation was disbursed prior to the demolitions taking place.
“While we acknowledge the role of the media in holding government officials accountable, it is equally important for them to present the facts accurately and fairly,” the statement read.
The group commended the FCT Minister for increasing the compensation budget from N655 million to N1.3 billion, stressing the importance of social justice and fairness in the resettlement process.
However, they stated that they would not stand idly by while an innocent individual was being wrongly accused.
“Is the Executive Secretary responsible for handling compensation payments? Is this not the responsibility of the Department of Resettlement and Compensation?
“Why then is the Executive Secretary of the FCDA being blamed for a matter outside his direct jurisdiction?
“We, therefore, demand a full investigation into all individuals involved in the compensation process, ensuring that every party has the opportunity to present their side of the case,” the statement concluded.
