Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has instructed the yet-to-be-constituted House Committee on Public Petition to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the extensive delay by the Federal Capital Development Authority in signing the lease agreement for the relocation of the renowned Apo traders and mechanics to their proposed permanent site in Waru.
This delay has reportedly persisted for an astounding 13 years, according to Leadership.
The Speaker’s directive followed a formal presentation of a petition on the said failed land deal by the deputy Chairman House Adhoc Committee on media and publicity Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu on Tuesday on the floor of the house on behalf of the Apo trades Association.
Presenting the petition Hon. Ugochinere who represents Ideato North and South federal constituency said “Mr speaker Sir I have a petition by the Apo trades Association seeking the intervention of the House regarding their unfair, unjustice and incessant relocation from one place to another in Abuja.
“And the refusal of the Federal Capital Development Authority ( FCDA) to grant them the right to permanent site after several years of application and necessary payment made.”
The presentation of the said petition is coming barely 24 hours after Hon Ugochinyere led six other members of the House from South East to Apo Mechanic village of the Apo traders.
Others on the visit to Apo on Monday Honorable Nkem Kama representing Ivo Federal Constituency, Hon Tochi Okere Representing Owerri Federal Constituency, Hon Peter Ani Ekwe Representing Anambra West and East Constituency, Honorable Obi Aguocha, representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South, Hon Matthew Nwogu Representing Aboh ,Mbaise, Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency.
The traders, under the umbrella, Apo Traders Association, have made a passionate appeal to the Green chamber to come to their rescue. The traders, speaking through the leader, Chief Chimezie Ifeh, at a meeting with South East Federal lawmakers, led by the member representing Ideato Federal Constituency, on Monday, said they have fulfilled every condition for the land.
Ifeh explained that after the land was allotted to them by former FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, they paid for the survey of the site and fulfilled every other occasion, yet the FCDA authorities have refused to sign the agreement.
He lamented that despite the mililons of naira they have invested in the new site, the government was yet to sign the Memorandum of Understanding between them. Consequently, the market leader said his members have been compelled to trading on the road corridor, with the attendant risks.
