By Jumoke Olaitan
The Suleja Development Association (SUDA) on Thursday protested the alleged plan by the Niger Government to convert the former Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Field Base in Suleja into a market.
The protest was staged at the field base, proposed for development as Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) University campus in Suleja.
Briefing newsmen at the site, Chairman of the association, Prof. Suleiman Abdul, expressed SUDA’s rejection of the plan, stressing the historical significance of the property and its expected benefits to the Suleja community.
Abdul said that the field base was established in 1977 as an operational base for FCDA personnel involved in the development of the Federal Capital City (FCC), Abuja.
He said the land formed part of the ancestral farmlands of the indigenous people of Suleja, who, according to him, willingly gave up the land in support of the development of Nigeria’s new capital.
“We are not opposed to development. We recognise the responsibility of government to provide infrastructure and promote economic development.
“But any decision concerning the field base should reflect the historical circumstances surrounding its acquisition and the legitimate expectations of the Suleja community,” he said.
Abdul said the property was formally handed over to the Niger Government on Oct. 30, 2007, at the Palace of the Emir of Suleja, following longstanding efforts by community representatives, particularly SUDA, to secure the property for communal use.
He said the property was subsequently allocated to IBB University, Lapai, for educational purposes, a development he said, was welcomed by residents.
The chairman expressed concern over the reported revocation of the university allocation and the proposed development of a market on the site.
“We have more than enough markets in Suleja which are grossly underutilised, but ours is the only major urban centre in Niger that cannot boast of a single tertiary institution.
“We cannot understand the rationale behind establishing another market at the expense of a tertiary institution which we do not have, for the educational development of our teeming youth and generations yet unborn,” he said.
Abdul said the association had written to the Niger Government seeking dialogue and an opportunity to present its concerns, but claimed that no response was received.
”SUDA later learnt that the government had invited representatives of the Suleja Emirate Council and other stakeholders for discussions on the proposed market.
“Despite being the arrowhead of this agitation, SUDA was not invited. We, however, became aware of the proceedings and the fact that the points raised at the meeting were very germane.
“The meeting ended without a final agreement, apart from expectations for further consultation,” Abdul said.
He alleged that the government subsequently directed the occupants of the field base to vacate the premises to pave way for the proposed market.
Abdul said SUDA would continue to pursue the matter through lawful means while remaining open to peaceful engagement.
Also speaking, Alhaji Shuaibu Umar, Public Relations Officer (PRO) SUDA, said the association’s involvement in the struggle had lasted for several years.
Umar said the association was apolitical and brought together members across different political parties whenever issues concerning the development and interests of Suleja arose.
“We are apolitical. We are not lending ourselves to a particular political party. All of us are distinguished gentlemen that belong to different political parties in this country,” he said.
Umar recalled the important role Suleja played in the development of Abuja, noting that the Federal Government’s activities in the area predated the development of the FCC.
He said the community had made sacrifices in the process and expected the field base to be used for its development.
“There was a promise that if the administration moved to the city, because of the sacrifice of ceding the land and the name, this property would be left for the development of the community.
“Suleja as a community, is struggling to make sure the promise is fulfilled,” he said.
Umar added that the association was in possession of documents which, according to him, supported its position on the matter.
The PRO also urged the government to engage the community for further consultations before taking any final action on the property. (NAN)
Edited by Philip Yatai
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