Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has issued a stern warning to the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Dauda.
Wike threatened to sack Dauda over allegations of mismanaging compensation funds for residents of Gishiri community, whose houses were demolished to make way for the Arterial Road N16 project.
The controversy surrounds the valuation of houses, with some residents alleging that their properties were valued as low as N72,000. This has sparked outrage among the affected residents, who claim that the amount is insufficient to build new houses.
Wike, visibly upset by the allegations, demanded that Dauda pay the residents the exact amount approved by the government. He warned that any attempt to shortchange the residents would result in severe consequences, including Dauda’s removal from office.
The minister emphasized that compensation is based on property ownership, not ethnicity or place of origin. He stated that the government does not pay compensation based on where people come from, but rather on who has papers to prove ownership.
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The Gishiri community has been affected by the demolition of 455 houses to make way for the road project. Residents have been relocated to a new area, but there are concerns about the suitability of the land and the adequacy of the compensation.
Youth leader of Gishiri community, Umaru Godwin, accused Dauda of violating the minister’s instructions concerning their relocation. He alleged that Dauda had proposed a waterlogged environment for the affected residents, which is unsuitable for building.
Another resident, Princess Juliet Jonah, alleged that the victims were protesting because Dauda offered N72,000 per building, which is insufficient to build new houses.
Wike has ordered Dauda to ensure that all affected residents receive their compensation as approved. He also warned against scheming out non-indigenes, emphasizing that compensation is based on property ownership, not ethnicity.
