PDP Crisis: Baraje’s Group PDP Secretariat marked for Demolition by FCDA

Busolami Idowu

As part of efforts to use the machinery of state to frustrate the splinter group of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA) has marked the official secretariat of the Baraje led group for demolition.

The FCDA has also unsealed the Adamawa State Governor’s Lodge on Katsina Ala Street, Maitama, Abuja, which was closed by the FCDA about two weeks ago on the grounds that the lodge was being used for political party activities, in contravention of the Abuja master plan.

The Adamawa State Government Lodge was sealed by the police on the order of the FCDA.

The Demolition Control Unit of the FCDA marked the secretariat of the New PDP located at No. 4. Oyo Crescent by IBB Way, Maitama, Abuja, for demolition on October 11, 2013.

The FCT administration had said it was illegal for the building to have been converted to a political party office, while a plot of land belonging to the Kano State Governor, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, was also revoked on the grounds that it had extended into a green area.

NigerianEcho correspondent however noticed that the Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), which was stationed at the front of the River Oyi Crescent, had been moved, while the police stationed to monitor the vehicle had also been removed.

Baraje led PDP spokesperson Mr. Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, described the demolition as a sign of desperation from the embattled Tukur group “This will show the level of desperation to which the PDP officials and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, want to use to attack and reduce the opposition in the country.”

He wondered what reason there was for the demolition of a building that has its building plans and other documentation, including the Certificate of Occupancy, intact. “This is nothing but desperation,” he said.

In the same vein, A-Park Gardens, located in Maitama District of Abuja; an event centre belonging to one of the supporters of Baraje led group, Senator Aisha Al-Hassan from Taraba State, has also been marked for demolition.

FCDA was said to have served her the demolition notice on the grounds that government wants to use the land as right of way for the Abuja monorail for public transportation.

She however maintained that she was given the permission to build the event centre and threatening to sue the agency.