Newspaper distributors condemn FCDA over clamping down on structures in Abuja
Newspaper Distributors in the Federal Capital Territory yesterday condemned the Federal Capital Development Authority FCDA, for clamping down on its structures where properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.
The distributors under the umbrella of Abuja Newspapers Distributors Association ANDA, in a statement jointly signed by its President, Comrade Joshua Oregun, and it’s general secretary Emmanuel John, condemned the inhumane acts melted out against them by the authorities and wondered why it was coming two weeks after it led a delegation to meet with their Director.
The association expressed disappointment that an agency of government they regard as “friend” would choose to carry out such an inhumane act against them.
” We feel so sad, we feel so heartbroken that we can be treated in such manner like criminals by Development Control, an agency we see as our friend.
” I and my team were with the Director in his office two weeks ago and he acknowledged our existence, considering the importance of our business in news dissemination.He said he would get us the design of what we can build on the distribution ground.
” It is the design that we have been expecting, for us to complete the building because of rains and sun, only for the same agency to roll out its machines and armed men to come and demolish the place” it stated.
He added that he would be disappointed if the Director is part of the conspiracy hence they were already having fruitful discussions with him.
Tracing how they came on board in the FCT in the year 2000, the association said that it has spent over N14M to develop and maintained the demolished structure.
” This place was a refuse dump and hide out for criminals when we started about 17 years ago; but we transformed and made it what it is today. This action is reckless, it is inhumane and insensitive” the association added.
They further called on the FCDA authorities to beam their searchlight on gardens scattered in the capital where people use to carry out dubious acts.
