Youths Protest Infrastructural Deficit, Poor Transportation System In FCT

Some youths in the Federal Capital Territory on Monday staged a protest against the rising spate of insecurity in Abuja.

They also protested against the inefficient transportation system and infrastructure deficit in the nation’s capital.

The youths under the aegis of FCT Youths Stakeholders Forum were seen carrying placards with various inscriptions such as “Why is FCT budget always delayed,” “we demand improved service delivery for FCT residences in two weeks,” and “we demand youth empowerment and engagement,” among other.

The protesters lamented that there had been a decline in governance and quality of service delivery in FCT in the last few years.

While Addressing journalists during a protest at the Federal Capital Territory secretariat on Monday, one of the leaders of the group, Ahmadu Yunusa said the situation in the nation’s capital “looks like a community without a government.”

He said, “Within the last few years, the Forum has noted a decline in governance and quality of service delivery in FCT which has led to the rise in insecurity, infrastructural deficit, drop in the quality of education and health service delivery, ineffective transport system, and increase in the number of ungoverned spaces in the FCT, etc.

“The inability of the management of the FCTA to actively engage stakeholders to finding a lasting solution to some of these challenges is one of the factors hindering effective service delivery in FCT.”

He further demanded that the current security architecture be overhauled, adding that the security agencies should be strengthened to stem the tide of the rising insecurity among others.

He said, “The Forum also demands the strengthening of the FCT Community Policing Programme to enhance intelligence gathering in communities and address the incessant security challenges facing FCT residents.

“In addition, the Forum demands the construction or rehabilitation of major roads in communities across the FCT to ensure ease of access to residents and other road users within those communities.

“Also, the forum demands that the Abuja University of Science and Technology should commence operations to create jobs for people and access to tertiary education for more Nigerians.

“The Forum demands improved funding for the FCT education and health sector to enhance quality of education and health service delivery in the Federal Capital Territory.”

In addition, he noted that the FCT Transport System should be better managed to ensure ease of movement for FCT residents and other transport service users.

The Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Adesola Olusade while receiving them, stated that many roads were being constructed in the FCT.

“Abuja has returned to a construction site; works have resumed on many roads. Those in Dutse can bear witness to what has been done in that area.

“In the area of security, six persons were kidnapped and within three days they were rescued without ransom, this is unparalleled. It would not have happened if the security structure is not working,” he said.

THE WHISTLER had in a special Report highlighted how Abuja has been showing all the signs of administrative failure while the Minister of FCT, Mohammed Bello, continued to remain anonymous—an absent leader.

For instance, it is common to see residents abandon pedestrian bridges to run across the highway in a hurry to get to their destinations.

Many motorists do not respect the traffic light while some recklessly drive against traffic on One-Way.

They do not care because there are no officials to arrest and sanction them.

At night, many roads are without light at a time of heightened insecurity, exposing residents to danger.

Worse of all, the sight of some residents openly defecating in public places has become more common.

Given its status as the fastest growing capital in Africa, it is shocking that maladministration is fast destroying the beauty of the city.