From Dan Muhammad, Maitama Abuja
In recent times, the FCT administration had attracted national and international headlines on its demolition exercise of what it called as illegal structures and settlements within the Federal Capital Territory.
Critics of the exercise in collaboration with beneficiaries of the illegally acquired plots of land went to town beating the drums of sack, probe and castigation against the FCT administration in a bid to court sympathy for their dubious actions as if Nigeria is a lawless country.
From the records, prior to the much-talked about demolition exercise, the FCT administration as part of its responsibility to the people, had issued several warnings and advices to those occupying/acquiring illegal plots of land until such illegality becomes a legal property. Unfortunately, the warnings were ignored and thrown back to origin.
Therefore, when FCDA bulldozers visited the illegal sites and structures for justice to deprived Nigerians, rabble rousers and political turn coats dished out deceitful defense through the media which are mere sentimental falsehood with political undertone meant to attract sympathy from the gullible public.
“In the wake of proliferation of fake title documents and forged building plan approvals on unapproved layouts purportedly emanating from Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), the FCT administration, aside necessary enforcement measures, issued a public notice to alert Government agencies, private developers and unsuspecting members of the public against the antics of such fraudsters.
In the same notice, members of the public were particularly cautioned against patronizing the fraudsters as the plot allocations and developments in such estates and locations are illegal and criminal”, said FCT Minister at the wake of outcries over the commencement of legally backed demolishing exercise with the senate issuing a STOP order of the exercise perhaps to protect the interest of their members who in most cases are illegal estate developers.
Critics of the demolition exercise out of mischief and blackmail, were quick to fault the exercise despite the glaring facts that at the creation of the FCT in 1976, government made adequate arrangements for the comfort and relocation of those ejected to give way for the city. Frequent changes in government, insincere governance and greedy Nigerians and their foreign collaborators truncated the arrangements with the initial master plan abandoned and some of the collaborators pushing down the throat of government a policy of integrating the indigenes earlier earmarked for relocation to the main city which has today assumed a catastrophic position with the minister insulted, castigated, abused and ridiculed for being patriotic.
The Justice Akinola Aguda panel that recommended Abuja as the most ideal befitting Federal Capital for Nigeria, equally recommended what should be done to protect the FCT from several dubious claims and actions that was revisited by Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed in the interest of good governance , equity and justice.
To those who are ignorant of the person of Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed, the FCT Minister and what he stands for in public administration that necessitated his resignation from the federal civil service in 2006 to join politics, is at liberty to know that his emergence at the political scene was hailed as a blessing to Bauchi state by across section of the people who yearned for aggressive change and progressive development of their state.
Similarly, the advent of his people focused representation in the senate, marked the end of an epoch.
This saw the beginning of an era of ceaseless changes of unprecedented dimensions, in massive economic transformations, strategic constituency projects including networking of hitherto neglected villages and towns within his constituency.
To a far extent, his lifetime breakthrough, include the provision of basic amenities to his constituents and extending an olive branch to other constituencies.
As a minister of the Federal Capital Territory, he embarked on the reequipping of the territory’s main water supply, titanic initiative for the construction of massive civil servants housing estates and the completion of several abandoned projects to meet international standard.
Amidst myopic criticisms, political fear, envy, hatred, fanfare and anxiety, the minister went ahead to justify the confidence reposed in him by President Goodluck Jonathan and residents of the FCT through unquantifiable service delivery that is beneficial to all.
The trail blazer minister has since assumption of office in 2010, recorded tremendous success of landslide proportion for the revival of socio-economic life of the FCT. His actions, no doubt are keenly felt by majority of FCT residents and visitors. Already, streets of the FCT and almost all major towns and villages, have regained their lost economic values and glory.
Expectedly, the man of history has gone further to establish the first ever metroline in the capital city to maintain a lead over his predecessors as one of the most performing ministers in the present dispensation.
Commendably, Senator Bala an unquestioned political character, endowed with great attributes of leadership he availed to bear on residents of the FCT, will remain one of Nigeria’s historic figures, who excellently assumed leadership in tandem with the popular will of the government, by means of selfless service(s) unrivalled in the hearts of the people.
By his beneficial cordiality, objectivity and sagacity, he brought to bear, an incalculable contribution in the effective discharge of his duties, marked by gallant efforts of the mind.
Of course, his titanic successes as the FCT Minister, is noted with thunderous applause of spontaneous touching gesture, by a vast majority of FCT residents and other Nigerians. This outstanding personality, has drilled him self as an exceptional achiever, who foreshadowed his future usefulness, politically respectful and socially relevant in every aspect of life. His dedicated commitment(s) to the etiquettes of good governance, his radical approach to the demands of the people, his passionate desire for improving the welfare of the people without strings, his absolute fulfillment in all spheres of his administration, has projected him to the social status of high respectability, and the rank of impeccable dignity in naked truth.
Of a truth, his iron determination to uphold justice with unbending and unyielding resolve, as well as his undoubted fidelity and undivided devotion to the cause of his duties, is the greatest morale booster, against the untoward attitudes of our time.
His mental alacrity, intellectual ingenuity, actuarial determination, wishful actualization, objective appraisal, fruitful enterprise, and ultimate triumph in public life, has brought him an utmost significance, and cherished memories, amongst a vast majority.
So, in essence, it can reasonably be contained that little literature may not be sufficient to adequately describe a man of such collection, full of creativity and purposeful dynamic like his boss Goodluck Jonathan and other notable Nigerians.
Characteristically, Senator Bala is a leader in every sense. In all spheres of labor he served, he worked so well in time and tide. He is a true national, morally strong individual, skilled in action, honest, free from the clutches of bribery and corruption, endowed with strong compassion and firm determination, founded on trust, friendship and directed to the good of the people across any divide.
By offering his best, and proving his worth, he has today become a model nationalist both to commend and to emulate that attracted him a national honor as Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON.
His unalloyed devotion to the ideals of public accountability, the rule of law, the fundamental ethics to serve loyally and faithfully, earned him among other things, the euphoria of a true patriot, and an incarnate character of national heroes.
My piece is intended to serve as a soul stirring tribute to the FCT Minister, for his infallibly gracious achievements, by attaining categorical performances, spanning the commanding heights of history and retrospect.
It also sought to high light the amazing characteristics of his life, and essayed to reveal such brilliant qualities, that brought him dignity and prestige in his chosen endeavor. Again, it shall focus on the concepts of the man, his attitudes and behavioral legacies, upon which we may tap, explore and exploit, as role model for future generation of patriots.
The speedy completion of several hitherto abandoned projects within the early days in office as FCT Minister has left so much to be desired. His sincerity, humility and passion, altogether, are the greatest ever in the administration of the FCT to date. Such a milestone has set the stage for his titanic and unbelievable simplicity, humility, resourcefulness, accessibility and sensitivity to the yearnings of the people as he confirmed on the recent demolishing exercise of some illegal settlements/ structures within the FCT.
The qualities that endeared Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed, national and international trust and cooperation, are borne out of his sanguine clemency to serve with heart and might, one Nigeria, bound in peace and unity; a statement of content in Nigeria’s national anthem.
He has not only vocalized and practicalized his people’s in alienable right to decent living, he aptly demonstrated his incontestable struggle in the course of providing succor to the people.
The veracity of his approaches, the vivacity of his speeches, the extent of his ceaseless offensive and the manner of his seasoned conducts of local and international transactions, doctored in him a charismatic chauvinism.
To faithfully reflect the political profile of a man, whose ultimate ambition is providing service to the people, is such a difficult undertaking, particularly on matters of human history and progress. It is therefore safer to stimulate an individual assessment of such a man, whose greatness transcends the borders of history and retrospect.
Senator Bala, is of course a deeply respected politician with a sense of destination and a sense of humor. He is focused unreservedly, on the goal for which he is assigned to pursue. He stands out unswervingly, yet unforgettably, to the ultimate sacrifice in the fight for improving the living condition of the people without minding whose ox is goared. Well glued and centred on his mission, he realizes the supreme cost he has to pay in providing service. He has already internalized his corporate responsibility, and was well ahead to predict an ineluctable and inescapable success.
For those of us that celebrated the creation of FCT in 1976, over the years it became a period of nostalgia and sober reflection. The good intents and positive aspirations were mercilessly dashed and thrown into the bottom pit of history. Prior to his assumption of office, the FCT was a saga of misplaced priorities and goals. Most of those entrusted with its leadership completely derailed from the fundamental objectives by satisfying only their personal agendas and those of their hidden god fathers. Bala exempted himself from such practice and leads an open door policy to carry everyone along in service delivery without bound.
As a result of his naturally endowed affection for the people, his 2007 senatorial election was easy in view of the total solidarity extended by the electorates across party divide. The electorates massively voted him in appreciation of his past outstanding record. Senator Bala’s election to the senate was a blessing to Bauchi South Senatorial district, because they electorates voted for the messiah of their dream who proved his worth as a patriotic representative.
In the spirit of fairness, the name of Senator Bala Abdulkadir, just like those of other heroes remains indelible in history. He will always be mentioned among the persons who were epoch of their countries, states, local governments, societies and communities.
He is today, a one example of leaders the likes of Muhammed Ali of Egypt, John Jerry Rawlings of Ghana, Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran, Winston Churchill of Great Britain, Artatuk of Turkey, Moshesh of Lesotho, Mahatma Ghandi of India, Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Mzee Jomo Kenyata of Kenya, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere of Tanzania, Gameel Abdul Nasser of Egypt, Thomas Sankara of Burkino Faso, Fidel Castro of Cuba and Abraham Lincoln of United States.
His magnitude of achievements in the FCT are indeed commendable, visibly seen and physically touched, such that most critics and doubting Thomas are coming to terms with the train of his laudable objectives and vision. It is evident that in no distance future, he will occupy a very important position in Nigeria’s history, potentially mightier than any person can ever imagine as destined by the Almighty Creator.
In his sincere determination to remain focused and serve according to his oath of office, he embarked on a holistic demolition exercise to correct the FCT master plan but few selfish Nigerians for myopic, political and sentimental falsehood seem not keen to supporting and defending what is right for obvious reasons.
Nigerians should strive to understand why compliance with the FCT master plan and other specified standards remain a huge challenge.
Towns and villages penciled for demolition have violated laid down rules and regulations to attract demolition. That should be clearly understood or we should all be allowed to distort the master plan to satisfy our selfish interests.
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Dan Muhammad resides at Salem Guest Inn, Yazrem street, Maitama Abuja
