The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has leveled accusations against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, alleging that he provided land and monetary benefits to senior officials within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the lead-up to upcoming elections.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP characterised these reports as deeply concerning, suggesting they could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral processes.
The PDP specifically referenced claims involving certain INEC officials, noting that Mohammed Kudu Haruna was purportedly linked to these alleged land allocations. The party also sought clarification on whether high-ranking officials, including INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan, were recipients of such benefits.
Expressing reservations about the equity of these allocations, the PDP pointed out that other vital workforces, such as healthcare professionals, educators, and security personnel, had not received comparable attention despite their indispensable contributions.
Describing the situation as one requiring prompt and transparent explanation, the PDP implored INEC to address the allegations directly and openly, cautioning that a lack of response could further diminish the credibility of the electoral commission.
In a separate but related development, Minister Wike directed the apprehension of the developer responsible for a multi-story hotel building that collapsed in Jikwoyi, within the Abuja Municipal Development Area Council, last Friday.
During an on-site inspection of the incident's location, the minister also mandated the confiscation of the plot where the building, which led to injuries for seven individuals, was being constructed.
He announced that the FCT administration would repurpose the land for public use and affirmed that those accountable for the unauthorized construction would face legal prosecution.
Issuing a strong caution to developers, Wike stated that the structure had been erected without the necessary authorization from the FCT Department of Development Control.
Wike accused the developer of disregarding official 'stop-work' notices issued by the Department of Development Control. He highlighted that despite the absence of formal approval, the company proceeded with construction, ultimately resulting in the building's structural failure.
"There was no approval for the construction of this building. Development Control had issued stop work notices, but the company ignored the notices and continued regardless," Wike remarked.
The minister noted that while no fatalities occurred in the collapse, the injuries sustained by some site workers, who were subsequently hospitalized, could have been far more severe.
He indicated that community members would be consulted to determine a suitable public-use project for the recovered land.
"It is important that we act decisively. Where there is clear violation, the law must take its course," he added.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!