The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA has insisted that the demolition of a security post and pre-cast fence at the African Independent Television, AIT Office Abuja was not politically motivated as may be misconstrued in some quarters.
According to the FCTA, the action was meant to create access for people who own properties around AIT but have been blocked by a pre-cast fence built by the Company.
Umar Shuaibu, Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) who spoke with journalists at the end of demolition exercise accused Chief Executive Officer of AIT, Raymond Dokpesi of blocking other Nigerians around the Company from having access to their property.
Shuaibu also noted that the company failed to honour the agreement with the FCTA in order to resolve long-term ‘land dispute’, which he alluded to violations of some laid laws.
“It is important to let the public know that this removal was not intended to inflict any pain on the owners of the property but rather to enable other citizens have access to their legitimate properties.
“It is also a culmination of series of meetings between the Management of DAAR Communications owners of AIT and the Federal Capital Territory administration to end many years of misunderstanding,” he said.
He stated that government resorted to demolition of a security post and part of the fence camping the company which is located in the heart of Asokoro Area, Federal Capital Territory, after it exhausted every means to resolve the disagreement amicably.
Shuaibu disclosed that the Management of DAAR Communications led by Dokpesi paid a courtesy visit to the FCT Minister in November where discussions about the issues were held.
“After very fruitful deliberations on the areas of contention, each side expressed satisfaction over the new reconciliatory approach and the sincerity in reaching a logical and peaceful conclusion.
“Thereafter, both parties agreed to visit the site for an on-the-spot investigation of the area where surveyors from both parties were able to identify the problematic areas on a satellite image map, leading to a common agreement on the necessity to remove the portions of the fence that has encroached into adjoining plots of land belonging to other Nigerians.
“Indeed, at that meeting, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, expressed confidence in the ability of the current FCT Administration to end the matter satisfactorily and pledged to abide by its outcome.
“Unfortunately, while everybody is happy and pleased that the issues have been resolved and in line with the commitment of both porties, DAAR Communications has been evasive in doing its part by voluntorily removing the illegal fence and other structures causing obstruction to their neighbours.
“The FCT Administration was therefore left with no other option than to do the needful by removing the illegal structures. With this removal, other allottees are now free to access their plots of land”, he maintained.
Tony Akiotun, Group Managing Director of DAAR Communications, owners of AIT who was around during the demolition however declined comment when approached by journalists.
James Kwen, Abuja
