The Suleja Development Association (SUDA) has expressed strong opposition to the Niger state government's decision to transfer the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Field Base in Suleja to the military. According to SUDA's Public Relations Officer, Mr. Umar Shuaibu, the association was not consulted or engaged in any discussion prior to the government's move. The FCDA Field Base currently serves as a campus for Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) University, offering diploma and post-graduate programs to local youths.
Shuaibu criticized the government's approach, stating that formal letters and official entreaties sent by SUDA were disregarded. The association had sought an amicable resolution, but instead, learned that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed with the military. Shuaibu warned that if the intention is to intimidate the community, they will not succumb to such pressure. He emphasized that the land originally belonged to local ancestral farmers before being handed over to the federal government for overriding public interest.
The SUDA official claimed that the FCDA had made a commitment to use the land for 3-4 years and then hand it over to the Niger state government as a contribution to community development. He highlighted the significant sacrifices made by the people of Suleja, including surrendering 80% of the FCT land and the town's original name, Abuja, to the federal government in 1979. The community was subsequently renamed Suleja, after Emir Suleiman Barau.
Despite being a major contributor to the state's internal revenue, Suleja local government has remained marginalized in public infrastructure and educational development. Shuaibu lamented that Suleja is the only major town in Niger state without a full-fledged post-secondary public higher institution, including a polytechnic, college of education, or state university main campus. This, he believes, is a clear indication of the community's neglect by the state government.
The proposed transfer of the FCDA Field Base to the military has raised concerns about the community's interests and the potential impact on local development. Shuaibu argued that the government's actions demonstrate a lack of regard for the community's welfare and aspirations. He called for a re-evaluation of the government's decision and a return to the original agreement.
The Niger state government's decision to cede the FCDA Field Base to the military has sparked a fresh controversy, with the Suleja community expressing its dissatisfaction. The community's concerns center on the lack of engagement and the potential consequences for local development. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the government responds to the community's concerns.
The Suleja Development Association has vowed to continue advocating for the community's rights and interests. Shuaibu emphasized that the association will not back down in its opposition to the government's decision, citing the need to protect the community's heritage and interests. The outcome of this dispute remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Suleja community will not be silenced.
Key points
- Suleja community rejects Niger state government's plan to hand over FCDA Field Base to military due to lack of engagement and concerns over community development.
