By Tpl. Umar Shuaibu
The interest generated by our last discourse, titled ‘Suleja the Nelected Milk Cow’ was overwhelming. Many readers shared it in many social media platforms, and many vital and interesting comments that added more substances to the subject were made. We are obliged to present only few, because of limited space.
Kudos to Tpl. Umar Shuaibu for his courageous and enlightening exposé on Suleja’s decades-long neglect and marginalization, despite its pivotal contributions to Nigeria’s Federal Capital, Abuja. Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, he sheds light on the stark contrast between Suleja’s significant role in Abuja’s development and its own deplorable infrastructure, economic disenfranchisement, and environmental degradation.
The Nigerian Delta region offers a compelling model for change, demonstrating the power of sustained, coordinated, and effective pressure. The establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission, born from the region’s persistent demands for autonomy, resource control, and development, transformed the region.
In contrast, Suleja’s ineffective, uncoordinated, and intermittent pressure has yielded mere grumblings. To break this cycle, Suleja requires a unified and sustained effort from residents, advocacy groups, and local leaders. By emulating the Nigerian Delta region’s approach, Suleja can harness collective action and coordinated pressure for meaningful change.
Well done. You have hit the nail on the head! In the midst of very glaring dwindling fortunes any quantum resources so allocated for a multibillion naira project as highlighted in your write up should and must be implemented with the seriousness it deserves in order to deliver road infrastructure that meets its 21st century peers.
In addition transparency should never be undermined to allow for public scrutiny and demand for probity and accountability. In fact the earlier the state government halts that contractor and consider rewarding it to a contractor with the requisite capacity to deliver a credible job the better. This is a clarion call on Mr Governor. Suleja is as important and strategic to all Nigerlites and Niger State, as it is to the indigenes of Suleja. Hence, it behoves the state government and all well-meaning Nigerlites to do the needful and give to Peter what is Peter’s and to Paul what is Paul’s in an open and transparent manner
I have for a long time maintained Nigeria and Abuja have been most unfair to Suleja. I have watched the growth and in a kind of way been a part of Abuja from inception. I still remember vividly the beginning of Garki with staff living in caravans. The aborigines of the land were moved to Suleja, Sabon Wuse and others. Then developments after development came up in Abuja, then movement from Lagos to Abuja. From your submission the people moved graciously without asking for anything. That should not be a reason why they should be denied the right of fair compensation.
From day one the government failed in taking responsibility for relocation, resettlement and creating a healthy environment. Imagine; I have been doing that for years, remembering for those old enough to and for the younger generation hearing the stories. ‘When we used to live in Wuse, Garki, Maitama……. we had our huts in our farmlands. Now look at those magnificent places where we used to live. Look at our pathetic dwellings, no space all choked up. We were introduced to a new way of living with no amenities to support. Gaskiya Alh Umar gabadaya ba a yi muku adalci ba.
A very good literature for both the government and general public reading. It is so disheartening to see that all the promises made at the time of creation of FCT out of present Suleja are jettisoned and nobody cares how the inhabitants of Suleja are surviving.
Needless to say that the total neglect both from the federal and state government is not only lamentable but a clear injustice to the people of Suleja. I am of the opinion that we the inhabitants of Suleja should start agitating for our rights and take control of our fights since we have been forsaken by those who should make a case for us.
More Power to your elbow Sir. And most importantly I hope our people will wake up to their responsibilities facing these great challenges that are threatening our existence, identity and rights as citizens. I also hope the government will give fair hearing to our complaints and respect the audacity of our fathers in this patriotic act that never existed in any other part of the country
