Abuja, Nigeria —Following recent demolitions in Abuja’s Gishiri Village, FCT indigenes demand a thorough fraud probe into compensation and resettlement processes.
Authorities cleared 455 structures to facilitate a road project; however, FCDA officials allegedly defrauded displaced residents, sparking transparency concerns.
The allegations became public following a meeting between the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, and community leaders.
Mr. Richard Dauda, Acting FCDA Executive Secretary, faces misconduct allegations linked to flawed compensation processes.
Following these claims, FCT civil society groups jointly demanded an impartial probe from the FCT Minister on Tuesday.
Their statement stressed accountability and due process, urging transparent reforms to address systemic irregularities in compensation procedures.
Signatories included Abuja Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment Organisation President Isaac Isaac and other prominent civil society representatives.
The organizations expressed their concern that Mr. Dauda had been unfairly accused of misconduct. Additionally, they called for a fair hearing, allowing him the opportunity to address these allegations. They cited an official statement from the Director of Press at the Office of the Minister, which reportedly cleared Mr. Dauda of any wrongdoing.
The statement posed critical questions: “Is the Executive Secretary responsible for handling compensation payments? Shouldn’t this duty fall to the Department of Resettlement and Compensation?
“Why, then, are critics blaming the FCDA’s Executive Secretary for issues beyond his authority?” civil society groups demanded.
Moreover, they reaffirmed their commitment to securing fair compensation for all owners of demolished Gishiri Village properties, irrespective of indigenous status.
Furthermore, their independent investigations confirmed authorities disbursed no compensation before demolishing the structures, intensifying scrutiny over procedural fairness.
Civil society organizations in the FCT have been actively monitoring the demolition, compensation, and resettlement of Gishiri Village residents.
While the media plays a vital role in holding officials accountable, they stressed the necessity of accurate, fair reporting.
They praised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for doubling compensation to ₦1.3 billion, calling it progress toward justice but pledged to counter false allegations.
Moreover, they demanded a full probe into all compensation participants, ensuring fair hearings for involved parties.
They stress the need for transparency in this matter.
This call for an impartial inquiry highlights the growing tensions regarding land use and resettlement policies in Abuja. Rapid urban development often conflicts with the rights and livelihoods of local communities. As stakeholders await further action from the FCT administration, the focus remains on finding a just resolution for those displaced by the Gishiri Village demolition.
