By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration ( FCTA) said it will soon begin arrest and prosecution of those involved in illegal street naming across the territory.
Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Umar Shuaibu disclosed this yesterday, when he briefed journalists in Abuja.
He said that the legal battle between FCTA and the Abuja Municipal Area Council ( AMAC) over street naming would be resolved amicably, with the understanding of all stakeholders.
Shuaibu said that the ruling of the FCT High Court on the matter has been appealed, all stakeholders, including the AMAC leadership have agreed to set up an interagency committee to consider all factors around it.
The coordinator explained that FCTA was not taking over AMAC’s responsibilities, but doing what the law permits it, as a major provider of infrastructure in the Capital City.
He equally noted that it’s intervention in the issue was to restore the integrity of the process, alleging that investigation has exposed unscrupulous individuals who were abusing it for personal gains, using AMAC as a cover.
“The existence of a cartel who are operating for their personal aggrandizement using the AMAC as a cover. Even the AMAC leadership is not aware of the extent of the damage and quantum of corruption perpetrated in the name of Street naming under it.
“As such the FCTA is going to engage the anti-corruption agencies to ensure that all those involved in the infamous activities are brought to books or face the wrath of the law”.
On his part, the Executive Chairman, AMAC, Hon. Christopher Maikalangu stated that his council was interested in having a harmonised process for the purpose of achieving a desired result.
While he claimed ignorance of the rot in the street naming process, saying the committee in charge of it had been in place before he came into office.
He however, assured that the Council would co-operate with FCTA on the issue, to find a lasting and mutual beneficial solution.
