FCT
FCT: CSO calls for comprehensive approach to address land, other issues
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called for comprehensive approach to address the ongoing forcible acquisition of lands belonging to the Original Inhabitants (OIs) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Executive Director of CHRICED, Mr Ibrahim Zikirullahi made the call at a one-day Capacity Stakeholders Report-Back Session held in Abuja on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that CHRICED through funding by MacArthur Foundation sponsored some CSOs that embarked on a project on “Promoting Cultural Values and Rights of Original Inhabitants (Ols) in the FCT.”
Zikirullahi was represented by Faith Nwadishi, Executive Director, Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), one of the groups that carried out the project.
He said that the plight of the OIs was not merely a legal issue but was a matter of social justice and human dignity.
“For decades, these communities have faced exclusion from the political and economic processes that shape their lives.
“The systematic neglect of their rights has led to a loss of cultural heritage and economic disenfranchisement.”
He said that CHRICED, through the funding by MacArthur Foundation had been able to undertake projects, collaborated with local leaders and policy makers to promote a cooperative synergy in addressing the challenges faced by OIs.
Zikirullahi however, acknowledged and appreciated the current government’s generous response to CHRICED’s initiatives and the challenges faced by the original inhabitants.
“In light of the diligent efforts undertaken by the project, several positive advancements have emerged that reflect a commitment to progress and inclusivity.
“Notably, for the first time in history, an Abuja native has been appointed as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“This landmark appointment is complemented by the appointment of an Ol youth as the Mandate Secretary for Area Councils and Chieftaincy Affairs.”
This, he said signalled a shift towards greater representation of the local populace in governance.
“Furthermore, another native has recently been appointed as the Mandate Secretary for Youth Development, highlighting the government’s recognition of the importance of youth engagement in shaping the future of the FCT.”
He said that these efforts were commendable and reflected a responsive government that was beginning to acknowledge the contributions and rights of the original inhabitants of Abuja.
In his goodwill message, the Emir of Karshi, Alhaji Ismaila Mohammed, appreciated CHRICED for the successful accomplishment of the projects on promoting the rights of the indigenous people of the FCT.
Mohammed while nothing some of the challenges faced by the natives, said they dated back to the creation of the FCT which had to do with the rights of the indigenous people to fair hearing.
“The challenges are both political, social and economic. We are hoping to have more area councils. Presently we have six. And given the size of the FCT, we should have more,” he said.
Mohammed, however, said that over the years, the people have been able to achieve those things they fought for.
Similarly, Mandate Secretary for the Area Councils, Mr Bitrus Garki, said that the indigenous people have being faced with various challenges.
“These include land grabbing, issues of resettlement and compensation and cultural rights as a result of the move of the federal capital from Lagos to Abuja.”
He, however, said that a lot of things they advocated for have been achieved in some level.
“Though it is important that while we are celebrating, we also recognise the need to do more.”
He said there was already the implementation of diverse initiatives and setting up of government’s structures that carter and “give that full status of FCT as being a state which is a very big thing that the indigenous people have being crying for.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has emphasized the transformative impact of the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP), describing it as a dual-purpose initiative that fosters education and drives local agricultural development.
Speaking through the FCT Focal Person on Social Investment Programme (SIP), Hajia Maijidda Adamu Kuku, at an interactive session with stakeholders across the six area councils of the FCT, Mahmoud highlighted the programme’s reliance on locally sourced produce.
Special Adviser on Media to the minister Austine Elemue, in a statement quoted the minister to have indicated that the approach, is to empower farmers, strengthen the rural economy, and enhance community participation.
Mahmoud affirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to facilitating the programme’s effective implementation by fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
“Regular interactive sessions like this are vital to reflect on successes, address challenges, and chart a sustainable path forward,” she said.
She commended the efforts of government officials, school administrators, farmers, cooks, and development partners, stressing the administration’s determination to ensure inclusivity and leave no school behind in the programme.
The Minister also called for innovative ideas and practical solutions to sustain the programme’s impact, urging stakeholders to work in synergy to confront emerging challenges.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding Programme, Dr. Yetunde Adeniyi,
underscored the initiative’s national importance, citing its role in improving school enrollment and learning outcomes.
“Since its inception, thousands of children have benefited from nutritious meals, leading to increased attendance and retention in schools,” she noted.
Adeniyi encouraged stakeholders to prioritize transparency, accountability, and active community involvement to ensure the programme’s longevity and effectiveness.
FCT Programme Operations Officer, Hauwa Abubakar, outlined the objectives of the stakeholders’ dialogue, emphasizing its focus on enhancing service delivery through transparency, accountability, and linkages with other empowerment initiatives in the FCT.
World Food Programme representative, Agnes Mungatia, further stressed the importance of collaboration, urging stakeholders to unite efforts to amplify the programme’s reach and impact.
The Home-Grown School Feeding Programme has remained a beacon of hope, providing nutritious meals to children while empowering local farmers. With continued commitment from stakeholders, the programme promises to sustain its role as a cornerstone of education and rural development in Nigeria.
The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has called on private companies, Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and other employers of labor within the Federal Capital Territory to file their employees’ annual tax returns for 2024 by January 31, 2025.
This directive is in line with Section 81 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2011 (as amended) and PAYE regulations, which mandate employers to submit detailed annual returns of emoluments paid to employees and total taxes deducted for the preceding year.
A statement issued on Sunday by the Corporate Communications Manager of the Service, Mustapha Sumaila urged Employers are required to use the forms prescribed by FCT-IRS for this purpose.
The statement quoted the Acting Executive Chairman of FCT-IRS, Mr. Michael Ango, whike speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement recently tobhave emphasized the importance of compliance, warning that failure to meet the deadline would attract penalties and sanctions.
He encouraged voluntary compliance, highlighting its role in fostering accountability and easing tax administration.
“We urge all private organizations, MDAs, government enterprises, and sole proprietorships within the FCT to fulfill their tax obligations.
Beyond avoiding sanctions, this compliance will contribute significantly to the development of the FCT and support the Honourable Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike CON, in his vision of transforming the FCT into a modern city,” Ango stated.
The FCT-IRS reiterated its commitment to efficient tax administration and calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in building a financially sustainable capital territory.
***As Barrister Maxwell Opara demands Justice for Mama Yesufu
In a fiery press conference held on Tuesday, Barrister Maxwell Opara reignited calls for justice in a high-stakes property fraud scandal that has left 79-year-old Hajia Colleen Mero Yesufu fighting to reclaim her properties in the Katampe and Guzape districts of Abuja.
The case, involving allegations of forgery, criminal trespass, and fraudulent property sales, has also raised questions about police integrity and accountability.
Central to the case is Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac (alias Bilkisu Ishaku Aliyu) and her company, Homadil Realty Limited.
They are accused of orchestrating a conspiracy to fraudulently seize Yesufu’s properties, allegedly with the complicity of certain police officers.
Despite substantial evidence presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), including forged documents used to manipulate the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS), the Nigeria Police Force has controversially dismissed the matter as a “civil issue.”
Opara criticized the Nigeria Police Force, specifically the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, accusing them of shielding the accused.
“How can the Police classify a case as civil without conducting any investigation?” he asked. He further revealed that the EFCC had not only identified the fraudulent documents but also secured an interim forfeiture order on the disputed properties. Yet, according to Opara, the Police have not only failed to act but have allegedly provided armed escorts to protect the suspect’s illegal constructions.
Opara highlighted what he termed the Police’s selective approach to justice. “If the Police can arrest someone for stealing a chicken or detain activists over tweets, why can’t they prosecute those involved in such brazen fraud?” he asked, launching the #ProsecuteTheCrime campaign to demand accountability.
The human rights lawyer also condemned alleged police harassment of the Yesufu family and journalists covering the case, stating that such actions undermine public trust in law enforcement. “Justice in Nigeria often wears the veil of influence instead of being blind,” he said, urging the IGP to distance himself from the case to ensure impartial investigations.
Opara called on the EFCC to expedite the prosecution of the suspects and appealed to the media to amplify the call for justice for vulnerable citizens like Mama Yesufu. “This is not just about one woman; it’s about the future of justice and the protection of the weak in our society,” he said.
In closing, Opara vowed to pursue justice relentlessly, declaring, “We will not stop until every shred of influence shielding criminals is removed and Mama Yesufu’s rights are restored.”
This case, which highlighted the interplay between corruption, influence, and justice in Nigeria, has sparked public outrage and rekindled debates about the integrity of the nation’s justice system.
The call for justice for Mama Yesufu is not just a legal battle but a test of Nigeria’s commitment to fairness and equality before the law.
-
Crime1 year agoPolice nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News12 months agoFCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year agoTinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
Kogi1 year agoINEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
Kogi1 year agoEchocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year agoIPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro10 months ago‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News1 year agoKingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu