- Safiu Kehinde
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that the African Democratic Party (ADC) was denied the usage of the Eagle Square for its National Convention.
Wike claimed being unaware of the ADC’s request to use the facility.
The Minister stated this while addressing newsmen after inspecting ongoing projects in Abuja on Monday.
When asked about the allegation filed against the FCT Administration by former spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan, Wike described the claims as “baseless”, insisting that no formal application to use the facility was submitted.
NPO Reported that Ologbondiyan had, earlier in a post on his X handle, raised concerns over difficulties in securing a venue for its national convention, scheduled for Tuesday in Abuja.
The Chairman of the ADC’s Media and Publicity Sub-Committee for the convention said that the party had yet to receive approval for a venue less than 24 hours before the event despite submitting the letter of request since last week the FCTA acknowledging it.
Reacting, Wike claimed being unaware of the development as he labelled the ADC’s allegation as attempt to gain public sympathy.
“Who denied them? I am not aware of any such development.
“If it is the African Democratic Congress, such claims are their usual attempt to gain public sympathy”. He said.
The Minister explained that the use of Eagle Square was subject to due process, which includes formal application through the Abuja Investments Company Ltd, in charge of the facility and payment of required fees.
He also pointed out that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome is not under the FCT Administration, but the National Sports Commission.
“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to the Abuja Investments Company Ltd.
“When the All Progressives Congress used the venue and Peoples Democratic Party used the Stadium’s Velodrome, they complied with the process.
“We do not deny anyone access if the rules are followed,” Wike added.
Speaking on the inspected projects, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the level of work done so far, assuring that key road projects would be completed by May 15.
“The contractors have assured us that road projects will be completed by May 15, while streetlight installations will be finalised before the end of May,” he said.
At Gaduwa, Wike said he had directed the installation of protective mesh to prevent encroachment on the road corridors, while works on streetlights were progressing.
At Wassa, the Minister disclosed that the FCT Administration was set to relocate artisans and sparepart dealers, operating at Apo Mechanic on the Outer Southern Expressway Road corridor.
He said that traders and artisans would be relocated to a new facility equipped with necessary infrastructure.
“This project is aimed at improving the working conditions of artisans and fulfilling long-standing promises to the informal sector,” he said.
Wike attributed the steady progress of projects in the FCT to effective collaboration between the government and contractors, supported by prompt payment of contractual obligations.