Politics
…calls for holistic governance in FCT
THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticized the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, over his heavy focus on land revocation and allocations to the detriment of other essential services and developmental priorities in Abuja. The rights group accused the minister of neglecting critical sectors such as public transportation, affordable housing, education, and security, which directly impact the lives of residents.
In a statement issued on Sunday, HURIWA decried the hyper-concentration of governance in the FCT on land matters, stating that the overemphasis on land revocations has sidelined urgent issues requiring attention. The association urged Wike to shift his focus to addressing Abuja’s pressing socio-economic challenges, including unemployment, crime, and the dire state of public infrastructure.
“Governing the FCT should not be reduced to a fixation on land revocations, reallocations, and demolitions,” HURIWA stated. “Minister Wike must realize that Abuja residents are in dire need of good governance, not a series of headline-grabbing actions on land matters. The FCT is grappling with severe deficits in public transportation, affordable housing, and the deplorable state of public schools from primary to secondary levels, particularly in rural areas. These issues demand immediate and sustained attention.”
The group also highlighted the growing security challenges in the FCT, including rising cases of kidnappings, “one chance” robberies, and other criminal activities in urban and suburban areas. It called on the minister to prioritize restoring security in flashpoints and making Abuja safe for residents and investors.
HURIWA emphasized that addressing these challenges would attract genuine investors to the productive sector, creating job opportunities for the hundreds of thousands of unemployed youths in the FCT. “Abuja’s youths are jobless, hopeless, and increasingly disillusioned. The minister must take deliberate steps to create an environment that fosters job creation and economic growth,” the association noted.
HURIWA also expressed concern over allegations that Wike’s land revocation activities are politically motivated. “Former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank, recently alleged that the land revocation exercise is a grand strategy to harass and intimidate opposition politicians and those perceived as potential challengers to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Frank accused Wike of using the names of key administration officials, such as former President Muhammadu Buhari, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, as a smokescreen to deflect criticism of his actions. According to Frank, the inclusion of these high-profile names in the revocation list is part of a calculated attempt to justify a land-grabbing spree targeting opposition figures and innocent Nigerians,” HURIWA stated.
HURIWA called for a thorough investigation into these allegations, stating that if proven true, such actions would represent a dangerous abuse of power and a threat to democracy. “The intelligence suggesting that land revocations are being weaponized to target credible opposition politicians and individuals not aligned with the ruling APC is deeply troubling. This matter must be investigated transparently, and those found complicit should be held accountable,” the group asserted.
The association stressed that effective governance in the FCT should prioritize inclusivity and development over divisive and controversial policies. It urged the minister to adopt a human-centered approach to governance that addresses the needs of ordinary residents and fosters a sense of belonging.
“Public infrastructures will be better protected by citizens when they feel included and valued by the government. Good governance is key to ensuring that Nigerians are stakeholders in the preservation of public assets. Enough of the channel noises about land revocation in Abuja. We need focused, development-oriented leadership with a sincere human and humane face,” HURIWA declared.
The rights group also highlighted the deteriorating state of public schools in Abuja, describing them as moribund and derelict. It called on Wike to prioritize the rehabilitation and upgrade of schools in both urban and rural areas to ensure quality education for the FCT’s children.
Additionally, HURIWA pointed to the non-existent public transportation system in Abuja, noting that residents are forced to rely on costly and unsafe alternatives. It urged the minister to revive and expand public transport networks to ease the burden on commuters and improve mobility across the city.
The association further called for the establishment of low-cost and affordable housing schemes for civil servants and the general public, emphasizing that addressing the housing deficit would alleviate the suffering of many Abuja residents.
HURIWA advised the minister to broaden his governance priorities to include all aspects of Abuja’s development, warning that an overemphasis on land issues risks alienating residents and undermining his administration’s credibility.
“FCT governance should reflect the diverse needs of its population, from creating jobs and improving security to enhancing education and housing. The current land-focused agenda is inadequate and fails to address the most pressing concerns of Abuja’s residents,” the group concluded.
HURIWA reiterated its call for accountability, urging the federal government to ensure that FCT administration is geared towards inclusive and sustainable development. It pledged to continue monitoring the situation and advocating for policies that prioritize the welfare of Abuja’s residents.
22nd December, 2024.
C.E.
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