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Destruction of N226bn worth of property: Anti-demolition protest rocks Kano

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Victims of building demolition have taken to the streets in their hundreds to condemn what they describe as destructive act, in Kano state.

The protesters gathered Monday morning at the frontage of the demolished multi-million Naira Daula Hotel along Hadejia road in the metropolis carrying placards with various inscriptions condemning the government policy.

Some of the placards read “Do the right thing Abba Kabir Yusuf”, “Don’t drive away investors from Kano”, “Billions of Naira property demolished because of envy” among various others.

Addressing newsmen at the protest, the organizers headed by the Director, Research and Development Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative, Zahraddeen Sani Baba, said that it is unfortunate property worth N226 billion has been destroyed within three weeks in office by the new government.

The group also called on the government to compensate the victims whose properties were demolished.

“We the people of Kano State unanimously voted for Governor Abba Yusuf in a view to bring development to the State. It was believed that, the Governor is the messiah of the time who shall continue with people’s oriented programs of his predecessor to salvage the people of Kano State.

“It is unfortunate that within six days in office, the perceived messiah became a source of sorrow to many residents and indigenes of Kano State, who acquired land from the previous administration of  Abdullahi Ganduje when the Governor ordered demolition of properties worth over two hundred and twenty six billion Naira within three weeks in office.

“Let it be on record that six days in office is insignificant for a people’s oriented government to order demolition of properties because the time allowed by law for such notice was not followed. It is our believe that Governor Yusuf is using people’s hard earned investment to settle political scores with the previous administration which is a bad development.

“We expect to know that once you emerge a governor you become a governor for all and not that of NNPP alone.

“The Land Use Act specified that, individual does not own land as all lands belong to the Government. It is true that government is also a continuous process where successors inherit assets and liability.

“We had earlier last week urged Governor Abba Yusuf to stop further demolition and call all the affected persons to a round table in view to compensate them over the illegal demolition of their properties.

“Today, we are here because, the government has marked more buildings for further demolition, even though it has partially complied with the ultimatum handed over to him by this organisation, the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiatives to stop further demolition of properties of Kano people” the protest leader appeals.

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Lagos schedules meeting with owners of distressed buildings.

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The Lagos State Government has said it would soon arrange a meeting with developers/owners of distressed buildings on how best to address the redesign and remodelling of such structures by November.

This was disclosed recently by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, at a function in Alahusa, Lagos.

Olumide said the prevalence of distressed buildings in different parts of the state was worrisome and needed the urgent attention of all stakeholders.

He said, “The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as mandated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended, was willing to extend its responsibility for approving the remodelling of existing buildings to provide technical assistance to developers and owners of distressed buildings, especially on the design and remodelling of such buildings.

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FG threatens contractors over Enugu-Onitsha road delay

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The Federal Government has instructed the contractors responsible for the 107km Enugu-Onitsha road dualization to expedite the project.

This directive was given by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during a meeting with MTN, the Enugu State Government, and the contractors, RCC Ltd and Nigercat Ltd, on Friday.

According to a statement released on Friday, the minister said he is disappointed over the slow pace of work on the project, he said, “Let me express my disappointment over the slow pace of work on that project. It is one of the worst roads in this country.

“Everywhere we have diversion; diverting from the one that RCC and Nigercat had completed, the contractors are not kind enough to even put stone based on the diversion points.”

He added, “So, by the reason of the launching of our Operation Free our Roads, it is now a violation of the policy on the side of the controllers and directors of the Federal Ministry of Works where we have vehicles falling on any project that is ongoing or where there are potholes on our roads.”

He also blamed the sufferings of road users on the lack of commitment and insensitivity of the contractors.

“The public must know that the President’s intention is not for them to suffer while trying to fix the roads, and it is their right to insist that contractors should fix the roads that they are engaged on,” he said.

The Minister commended the Enugu state government for their resolve to fund the construction of a 20 KM section of the road and expressed hope that MTN would execute the second phase of the project.

He noted, “Why the Enugu State government is intervening is because of the slow pace of work by the contractors and because of funding issues. The essence of tax credit is for funds to be made available. And so, I don’t see RCC going to keep their promise to finish this project in 6 months.

“My advice to MTN is to look for another contractor within that axis if they want to get the job done. Division of labour is even the best. While they are doing the road, and if Nigercat is doing a good job, you can give them greater scope to do if you want to finish that job.”

He warned contractors that the Federal Government would not accept phased handovers of projects and has phased out Variation of Price in contract administration.

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Ekiti state government mediates land dispute between traditional ruler and family in Epe-Ekiti

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The Ekiti State government has intervened to resolve a longstanding land dispute between the Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adesoye, and the Atolagbe family. The government cautioned against the misuse of modernization as an excuse to disregard traditional customs.

In line with the community’s traditions, the government has ordered the release of resources, including palm trees at Oko Oba Farmland, to Oba Adesoye for his administration. This decision ensures the continued adherence to age-old practices.

Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, announced the resolution in Ado-Ekiti. The decision was made after considering the Elepe’s claim to Oko Oba Farmland based on historical evidence.

Mrs. Afuye acknowledged the Elepe’s right to be the custodian of Oko Oba Farmland, citing longstanding traditions that support his claim. The decision reflects the importance of respecting historical practices and ensuring their preservation.

The deputy governor, however, told the monarch in clear terms that other princes and princesses from all the three ruling houses should be allowed to farm on the land without payment of royalty.

Mrs Afuye appealed to the community to comply with the government’s position to restore unity, peace and orderliness to the beleaguered community.

Oba Adesoye expressed gratitude for the government’s decision and pledged to foster peace and unity between the throne and the community, aiming to accelerate Epe’s development.

Representing the Atolagbe family, Dr. Yemi Agbeleoba acknowledged their willingness to cede Oko Oba Farmland to the monarch. However, he emphasized the need for all three ruling houses to participate for a lasting and traditional solution.

Agbeleoba expressed appreciation for the government’s directive, believing it will contribute to resolving the long-standing conflict.

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