The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has initiated inquiries into two separate matters involving alleged violations and irregularities. The first case concerns a potentially unlawful construction project in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while the second revolves around an abandoned contract in the Niger Delta region. The Committee’s actions underscore its commitment to transparency, accountability, and addressing citizen concerns regarding potential misconduct by public officials and private entities.
In the FCT case, a private citizen, Samuel Ajayi, filed a petition alleging that an ongoing construction project in the Gusape Cadastral zone is in violation of the FCT’s building codes and master plan. Ajayi’s petition contends that allowing the construction to continue will negatively impact the planned development of the area and potentially create future problems. The petition prompted the Committee to summon both the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, and the Director of Development Control, Galadima Muktar, to appear before the Committee on March 11, 2025, to provide explanations regarding the project’s approval and ongoing development despite the alleged violations.
The Committee Chairman, Mike Etaba, emphasized the importance of due process and ensuring that all parties involved are given a fair hearing. He stressed that the petition, at this stage, represents a complaint that requires thorough investigation to establish the facts. Etaba’s statement reaffirms the Committee’s commitment to addressing citizen concerns and holding public officials accountable for their actions while simultaneously ensuring a fair and impartial process for all involved parties. The Committee’s actions signal its resolve to uphold the integrity of the FCT’s master plan and building regulations.
Concurrently, the Committee is addressing a separate petition concerning an abandoned contract in the Niger Delta region. The petition, submitted by Lynpat Solicitors, alleges that Orbit Marine and Energy Services Limited abandoned a contract for the construction of the Okpai shoreline protection and landing jetty in Delta State. This project, crucial for protecting the coastline and providing vital infrastructure, has reportedly been left incomplete, raising concerns about the misuse of public funds and the potential for environmental damage.
In response to the petition, the Committee has summoned the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, to appear before the Committee on the same date, March 11, 2025. The NDDC is a key stakeholder in the project, and the Committee believes that Ogbuku’s testimony is crucial to understanding the circumstances surrounding the contract’s abandonment. Etaba underscored the seriousness of the matter, warning that further action would be taken against the NDDC if Ogbuku failed to appear or provide satisfactory explanations. This firm stance underlines the Committee’s commitment to holding public officials accountable and ensuring that development projects in the Niger Delta region are executed transparently and effectively.
The Committee’s actions in both cases reflect a broader effort to address citizen concerns and enforce regulations related to urban development and infrastructure projects. By summoning key officials from the FCDA and NDDC, the Committee seeks to uncover the truth behind the alleged violations and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The simultaneous investigations highlight the Committee’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and promoting transparency within government agencies and private entities involved in public projects. These inquiries serve as a critical mechanism for ensuring that development projects adhere to established regulations and serve the public interest. The outcomes of these investigations will likely set precedents for future cases and contribute to strengthening accountability within the public sector. The Committee’s proactive approach also empowers citizens to voice their concerns and participate in the process of holding public officials accountable, thereby reinforcing democratic principles and good governance.
The Committee’s dual investigations underscore its commitment to addressing public grievances and ensuring accountability in both urban development and infrastructure projects. The summons issued to key officials from the FCDA and NDDC represent a decisive step towards uncovering the facts surrounding the alleged violations and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. The Committee’s concurrent handling of these cases signifies a broader effort to strengthen transparency and accountability within the public sector, ultimately contributing to better governance and the effective utilization of public resources. The outcomes of these investigations will not only address the specific issues at hand but also potentially influence future practices and reinforce the importance of citizen engagement in holding public officials accountable.
