FCT Minister Rebukes FCDA Executive Secretary Over Alleged Fraud in Gishiri Demolitions

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has sharply criticized the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, over allegations of attempting to defraud residents whose homes were demolished in Gishiri village, Abuja.

Around 455 people, including local residents and outsiders, had their homes demolished last week as part of the ongoing road construction projects in the nation’s capital.

Wike voiced his dissatisfaction while addressing Gishiri community leaders and other stakeholders on Monday, expressing concerns about the alleged dishonesty in handling compensation for those affected by the demolitions.

The Minister revealed that he had approved a compensation fund of N1.3 billion for the victims, but he was angered upon discovering that Dauda, in cooperation with the Compensation and Relocation Department, had offered far less than the approved amount.

Wike, who condemned Dauda’s actions, accused him of betraying both the community and the government. The Minister issued a stern warning, demanding that Dauda immediately rectify the situation and ensure the victims receive the full compensation, or face removal from his position.

The pressure mounted for Dauda when the youth leader of Gishiri, Umaru Godwin, accused him of ignoring the Minister’s directives regarding the relocation of the victims. Godwin claimed that Dauda had suggested relocating the affected families to a waterlogged area, unsuitable for development.

Further allegations came from community member Princess Juliet Jonah, who reported that residents were protesting the inadequate compensation of N72,000 per building that had been offered to them by the FCDA.