By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Suleja Development Association (SUDA), a community based pressure group has protested against planned conversion and commercialization of the former Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Suleja Field Base to market by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.
The Galadiman of Zazau Suleja, Alhaji Mohammed Rabiu Ishak made the position of his people known during a peaceful protest in Suleja, the most popular and revenue generating hub of the state.
Converting and handing over the facility to the Nigerian Army Property Ltd at the value of about N121 billion, he argued will not only affect the revenue base of the local government but the immediate community who are currently enjoying the facility serving as one of the campuses of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) Lapai.
The protesters carrying placards with diffrent inscriptions, “Protect our only tertiary institution infrastructure and let the facility continue to serve education and the youth of Suleja", “Learning is Greater than Silver and Gold", amongst others reasoned that ordering occupants to vacate the facility is not only going to be counter productive but unacceptable in all ramifications.
“We have many markets that are yet to be fully occupied in Suleja town but there is no single tertiary institution for us in Suleja local government.”
“Nigerian Army are symbol of patriotism not a weapon to be used for the violation of overriding public interests of educational needs of Suleja people”, amongst others.
SUDA who now gave two weeks ultimatum to the state government to reverse the decision or be ready for legal actions said they have exhausted all possible efforts and avenues to peaceful engage the government on the issues, but all efforts proved abortive hence the peaceful protest.
Governor Umar Bago, according to them has portrayed himself not amenable to dialogue despite documentary evidences to bear out their collective interests concerning the facility.
SUDA President, Rabiu Ishak whose speech was read by, Prof. Suleiman Abdul of Abubarkar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, wants the state government to regard their agitations, calling for responsive governance, consultation and fairness motivated by determination to protect the historical, social and developmental interests of the people of Suleja.
Rabiu challenged the Bago led administration for want of due process, taking decisions especially concerning issues as important property, while also insisting that the property was handed over to Suleja by Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu as agreed in 1977 with the then federal government.
Suleja people are more comfortable with the establishment of IBBU, Lapai, Suleja campus which is the only tertiary institution in Suleja Emirate than any other thing.
The position of the people on the matter, he said included; request that the Niger state government should recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the Suleja community during the establishment of the former FCDA field base and treat them with dignity.
Governor Bago, the protesters further demanded should intimately respect the educational purposes associated with the property to maintain and strengthen IBBU Lapai, to ensure legitimate interests of the people of Suleja are heard and fairly considered, that the matter can be resolved peacefully in a manner that protect the interests of the people.
Also speaking, Alhaji Umar Shuaibu who is the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of SUDA, stated in clear terms that Suleja people wants education and not market, adding that three markets already exists in the area and the markets are yet to be fully occupied fully while Suleja Emirate has no single tertiary institution.
SUDA's position on the subject matter is clear and no going back because Madalla market he had earlier ordered its close is still untouched and functioning, adding that construction of Suleja township roads abandoned with some of the ongoing works are already showing signs of substandard job. NNL.
