Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has suspended appointments of all types of traditional chiefs in the capital city, even as he approved the sum of N2.6 billion for the provision of road infrastructure in Karu, a suburb of Abuja city centre.
The suspension of chieftaincy appointment was said to come as a result of complaints, petitions and legal tussles among interested parties in the capital city.
A circular by the Office of the FCT Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye, said that the issues relating to the appointment and installation into traditional positions in the FCT has sometimes led to situations that are inimical to peaceful coexistence in some of these communities.
“It had become pertinent to emphasize the provision of the FCT Chiefs (Appointment & Deposition) Act, 2007, which states that “upon the death, resignation or deposition of any Chief or Traditional Ruler, of a kind referred in sub-section (1) of this section, the Minister may approve as the successor to such office of a Chief or Traditional Ruler as the case may be, by any person appointed in that behalf by the persons charged with the responsibility of appointing persons to the office or Chief or Traditional Ruler in accordance with the provisions of any order made by the Minister after consultation with the Department of Local Government Administration.”
According to the circular, all issues of appointments, installation and Turbanning of District, Village and Ward heads have been suspended until further notice.
On the road project, the minister said that it is expected to be completed within 15 months, and will open Karu for the development of affordable housing for low income earners, maintaining clean and healthy environment and ensure slum upgrade schemes in the indigenous settlements of the area.
Other expected benefits include enhancement of economic activities among residents and also create job opportunities for teeming inhabitants of the FCT. [myad]
