Residents of Suleja, led by the Suleja Development Association (SUDA), have protested against Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago's plan to convert the former Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Suleja Field Base into a market. The facility currently serves as one of the campuses of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) Lapai. The protesters argue that the conversion will affect the revenue base of the local government and the community.
The Galadiman of Zazau Suleja, Alhaji Mohammed Rabiu Ishak, stated that the community is opposed to the conversion and handing over of the facility to the Nigerian Army Property Ltd for approximately N121 billion. The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as "Protect our only tertiary institution infrastructure" and "Learning is Greater than Silver and Gold". They believe that ordering occupants to vacate the facility is counterproductive and unacceptable.
SUDA has given the state government a two-week ultimatum to reverse the decision or face legal action. The group claims to have exhausted all avenues for peaceful engagement with the government, but their efforts were met with indifference. SUDA President, Rabiu Ishak, wants the state government to consider their agitations and prioritize responsive governance, consultation, and fairness.
Rabiu Ishak challenged the Bago-led administration for lacking due process in making decisions about important properties. He insisted that the property was handed over to Suleja by Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu in 1977, as agreed upon with the federal government. The Suleja people prefer the establishment of IBBU, Lapai, Suleja campus, which is the only tertiary institution in Suleja Emirate.
The protesters' demands include recognition of the contributions and sacrifices made by the Suleja community during the establishment of the former FCDA field base. They also want the state government to respect the educational purposes associated with the property and maintain and strengthen IBBU Lapai. The protesters believe that the matter can be resolved peacefully, protecting the interests of the people.
Alhaji Umar Shuaibu, Public Relations Officer of SUDA, stated that the Suleja people want education, not markets. He noted that three markets already exist in the area, but they are not fully occupied, while Suleja Emirate lacks a single tertiary institution. The protesters insist that they need an educational institution to provide opportunities for their children and future generations.
The protesters, in their hundreds, peacefully demanded that the state government prioritize education over markets. They expressed concerns about the governor's priorities, citing the abandoned construction of Suleja township roads and substandard jobs. The Suleja Development Association remains resolute in its position, with no intention of backing down.
Key points
- The Suleja Development Association has given the state government a two-week ultimatum to reverse the decision.
- The protesters argue that the conversion will affect the revenue base of the local government and the community.
- The Suleja people prefer the establishment of IBBU, Lapai, Suleja campus, which is the only tertiary institution in Suleja Emirate.
