The United Furniture Association has called on FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to intervene in the alleged encroachment of the Kugbo commercial layout by the Nigerian Air Force.
At a press conference in Abuja yesterday, the association’s President, Ambassador Prince Emeka Egwuekwe, explained that in 2003, they (the association) applied for land based on the rapid development of Abuja.
The then Minister, Muhammed Abba Gana, approved the Kugbo commercial area for them.
According to him, the association received this approval individually as there were about 200 members then. Others applied later and also received approval.
When they began development through their contractor in 2003, they discovered that some Fulani people residing there claimed ownership of the land since the colonial era, presenting documents allegedly issued in 1914.
However, Ambassador Emeka explained that the press conference was crucial because the Air Force had recently started encroaching on their sites. When questioned about the specific land, they claimed the current FCT Minister, Wike, had given them the area within the furniture market’s jurisdiction.
“We have a common boundary with you (the Air Force) since 2003, during which both of us have been in court against the Fulani. We have been paying all court fees to ensure a favorable judgment for both parties.
“How can you suddenly decide that our land is the best for you to develop after developing and selling yours? We are not selling; we are here to build and employ Nigerians.
“We are complaining about you coming into our furniture market area to ask for land. We know that military personnel have guns, but we carpenters only have hammers and we don’t fight.
“We are law-abiding citizens who have contributed to the nation by employing youths in carpentry. No nation can grow without industries and vocational skills.
“We are crying out because we don’t want to fight anyone; we are simply exercising our fundamental rights,” he said.
Shaibu Mathew, former Secretary of the United Furniture Association, added, “We are calling on Minister Nyesom Wike to come to our rescue regarding this recent encroachment.
“We have ministerial approval for this place since the Aba Gana administration, and we have revalidated it with subsequent ministers.
“We want the minister to demarcate the boundaries between the Air Force and the furniture market so we can each focus on our own areas.”
