By Our Correspondent
Concerned about the state of security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, occasioned by bastardization of the master plan, elders in Northern Nigeria have expressed their determination to partner with the FCT administration towards addressing the issue.
The elders under the aegis of North- East Consolidated Peoples Forum (NCPF) are made up of respected statesmen and elders in the region but resident in Abuja made the above statement during it’s meeting in Abuja yesterday.
The group whose members are patriotic Nigerians who pursue entrenchment of justice, peace, equity and unity in a democratic Nigeria, commended the efforts of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, towards making Abuja safer for residents.
The spokesperson of the elders, Alhaji Mohammed Abba Liman, stated that “as elders and senior citizens who have contributed to the growth and development of Nigeria, and as critical stakeholders in the development of the FCT, we have full confidence in the Minister’s patriotic zeal towards restoring the lost glory of the FCT”, he said.
The group lamented that it has witnessed with sadness and helplessness the “unbridled and unfortunate bastardization of the Master Plan of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja over the years, which has equally given birth to serious security concerns”, Liman, the spokesperson of the group said.
“However, we have noticed seriousness and proactiveness in the present Federal Capital Territory administration under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, who has received full support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Therefore, we are willing and ready to partner with the Federal Capital Territory administration under his leadership towards making the FCT safer and more conducive for all residents and visitors”, Liman said.
The group said it has observed that, “Right now, there is a significant improvement in terms of restoration of Abuja master plan; improvement of social decency, security situation, as well as revival of projects abandoned by contractors.”
The elders said “We know and believe in Nyesom Wike as a rugged and passionate man. We also know what he achieved in Port Harcourt and Rivers State as a whole in terms of massive infrastructural development among other legacy projects”.
The elders said they had tried to draw the attention of relevant authorities on the above matters but their efforts did not yield any positive results.
“However, seeing the impacts of the brilliant socioeconomic reforms of the Tinubu administration, especially in the FCT under the leadership of Wike, we have decided to support the FCT administration towards a sustainable development of the FCT in line with the master plan”, they said.
While acknowledging the proactive efforts of the FCT Minister, they urged him to ensure that his achievement surpasses the legacy of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, the former “outstanding FCT Minister” and immediate past governor of Kaduna State.
