Posted by By FRANCIS AWOWOLE-BROWNE, Abuja on
The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai has justified the demolition of the house of Dr. Ahmadu Ali, chairman of the ruling Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as a step in the right direction.He said the building was demolished in the overriding public interest, adding that come what may, individual interest must give way to collective and public interest.
The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai has justified the demolition of the house of Dr. Ahmadu Ali, chairman of the ruling Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as a step in the right direction.He said the building was demolished in the overriding public interest, adding that come what may, individual interest must give way to collective and public interest.
The minister was reacting to insinuations that the chairman was just being punished as reflected in the report of the comments of Dr. Ali saying, "I don't know why they are doing this to me".
The minister explained that the PDP chairman was aware of the decision of the FCDA before now and couldn't have been caught off guard, pointing out that the demolished house located at No.6 Abubakar Koko Crescent, off Sule Maitama Street, Asokoro was sitting on water line which in future would not only be injurious to occupants but also to the entire residents of the area when the calamity befalls.
Mallam el-Rufai disclosed that when it was discovered that it was a disaster in waiting, the chairman was duly notified; recalling that meetings were held on how to tackle the problem before this action was taken.
According to him, the FCT Administration and the PDP National Chairman agreed on the demolition but Ali would be paid adequate compensation if he has valid documents.
The minister thanked God that the said structure does not belong to any member of the opposition party, if not, meanings would have been read to the whole issue, forgetting the good intention behind it.
"The chairman is waiting for compensation and he will be comprehensively compensated in accordance with our urban laws for it is his entitlement," he added.
On the demolition of site office of a construction firm, Bulet International, the minister wondered why the media has given prominence to the development, saying that the company was allocated the plot on temporary basis while building the phase three of Federal Secretariat where the Head of Service of the federation is currently occupying.
Mallam el-Rufai reiterated that the construction company has completed its job there and must have to give way by returning the plot to its original use.
The minister observed that construction companies like Julius Berger, Dantata & Sawoe, LCC and many others were given similar sites when they undertook similar jobs and they vacated such plots without making any noise, and wondered why the case of Bulet should be different.
His words: "One of the major reasons that led to the relocation of the federal capital from Lagos to Abuja was the unplanned nature of Lagos, and that ghost would not be allowed to pursue us here."
Mallam el-Rufai emphasized that the Abuja Master Plan must be strictly adhered to, insisting that individual interest must give way to collective and public interest.
On the purported court order restraining the FCT Administration from carrying out its statutory duties, the Minister said that "no such court order was received by the administration. "If we did, we would have obeyed," he said.
He said the FCT Administration is a law abiding organization that has high regard for the rule of law because the Administration also needs the court to protect it.