21 Jan 2009 |
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As my plane hovered over the city, looking down through the windows, a blind man could tell from the architectural design that at present Abuja was a well mapped out plan. A dream that seemed afar off was now an accomplished reality by one man’s administration. I last visited the city a year ago just before my relocation to the United Kingdom. I am still of the orientation that the picture in my head of the beautiful Abuja I left behind would be an improved version. Maybe, a little resemblance with London I left over six hours ago. A perfect smile lit up my face as the plane touched the tarmac. Little did I know, my bubbles were about to be burst. On my way home, the taxi driver dodged several pot holes along the Lugbe/ Airport road. I ignored this minus with a self consolation that the pot holes only happened last night. That is to say, they probably have existed for a maximum of 24 hours. I am left asking myself rhetorical questions, “Does the FCT minister ply this route? “ Is my stay about to be ruined by some level of discomfort? I am about to draw conclusion to my stay so far in the capital city of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Driving past the Garki, Area 1 fly over, any first time visitor on his way back from the airport would need extra assurance that a new Garki model market did not just spring up. It was a very unusual scene. A fast lane high way was now overtaken by small green buses, marcopolo buses, Keke Napep and taxis, resulting in an unavoidable traffic. Some of these buses were not even painted in the FCT’s rule of green-white- green stripes. These unruly drivers made it a point of duty to park and pick up passengers in the middle of the road. The major landmarks now were brightly coloured branded umbrellas of green, yellow or red. One is left with the horrid impression that, the distribution scheme of umbrellas by Nigeria’s Telecom firms has done more harm than good. How can a million and one umbrellas line the broad streets of the FCT? A territory, Nasir El-Rufai my bosom friend from afar invested time, intellect, creativity, energy, resources and experience, resuscitating it to a stage comparable to little London. Can one say an El-Rufai’s project of turning a Federal Capital Territory into a prim and proper city has been cajoled by a bunch of undisciplined citizens? My heart cries out in bold words, “Sad, sad, sad.” Have you tried driving through the city at night? Look out for the next street light that is brightly lit up. I guarantee you, barely any would exist. These lights are permanently switched off due to negligence and absence of a proper maintenance system. Probably, one may find those street lights well lit up and fully functional along the way to the Aso Villa and afterwards, you’re On Your Own. Litters here and there, turning everywhere into a public dust bin. Not to mention the Wuse Market turmoil and torture. Lawlessness displayed in its highest order. What happened to the FCT FRSC? It’s unbearable to try driving through the market. Take a glance at the uncountable cars parked on the high way or the green stripped buses that have created artificial bus stops for their passengers. Not exclusive of Abuja green and black cabs. There is a lot of human traffic, people running across to the other side of the express lane as though it were a football field. Somebody help me here! Aren’t these glaring signs of Africans who have their blood veins overtaken with voluminous concentrates of impatience? Ideally, just for the records the Wuse market closes by 6pm for the next day, but the traders would rather move their goods to the streets in front of the market. These goods are displayed on the grounds for passers-by to patronise. Here’s another reason for the treacherous route. Not to talk about how dirty the environs are. In summary, the market’s official closing time is 6pm and a new market begins at 6pm outside its gates. Where are the sleeping FCT Tax Force officials? What beat my imagination recently is the overnight increase in the number of people who have turned into beds, the FCT roads, incomplete buildings or underneath flyovers. Is Eko about to exchange hands with the FCT? At least, Lagos is experiencing obvious reconstruction and ongoing changes even as I write. Let’s talk about the careless bush burning around the city. This is carried out under whose supervision and permission? Is it the FCT Parks and Recreation Board? I doubt. If yes, I dare to question such a move. Those bahama grasses are from the carpet family. I know it’s a lawn mower used for such. This is simple ABC. If we had another Nasir El-Rufai come in place, breaking down illegal structures not compliant to the FCDA policies of building, how many more victims would we have? Nigerians are a deaf, obstinate, conscienceless, greedy and selfish bunch. Drive through the Games village, a lovely well planned estate has turned sour in such a short time. Many more illegal structures have been put up as BQs. The estate I live in is a perfect example. The land lord just concluded the building of a warehouse that is outside the initial building plan submitted to Development Control. This was done eating into the space of pedestrians’ walk way. With no apologies or regrets, many have followed suit. Where is this go-slow from preventing a thorough follow up on the works of a good administrator? Permit me to draft policies on someone’s behalf. I preferably would have drafted, fewer new ones and just expound, laying more emphasis on the previously existing ones. I remember vividly the last straw that damaged the camel’s back. On the expressway around Katampe Hill towards Asokoro, I witnessed a battalion of horses scattered all over. For one second, I thought the city had been attacked by intruders, horse riders from the Sahara. This was unbelievable. The air had a foul smell from the exhibits of these horses. The huge dumps had littered all through, left, right and centre of the whole express lanes. And to think that these horses were on sale? The roads had been turned into good grounds for a horse fair. Horses were roped to the so-called expensive Solar Street lights that ate a chunk of some budget. Hay was well arranged for every horse thereby posing as a form of refuse. Was this happening to me in the FCT? Ce n’est pas possible! Weren’t these same roads linking Kubwa to Aso drive? Was there a shorter cut to Aso drive? Is it fair to say that there was a loss of vision by a new FCT regime whose initial and clearly stated goal was to ban smoking in public places. I guess all in a bid to continue the good works of the predecessor in matching up the FCT to London standards. Maybe, a replication of the implemented vision of the Mayor of London- “Drinking of alcohol banned in public places: tubes, buses, trains”. I ask for originality of some sort from administrators in this era. Sometimes am compelled to think I am in the wrong place. I need to be awakened from this nightmare. The EFCC comes after an administrator who has made history in the books of Nigerian government? One whose track record is yet to be met and supplanted? If indeed, he is found wanting on whatever fraud plus abuse of office charges, I dare to say, at least he met demands. A small but mighty with all due respect, who bulldozed his way through the brick houses of Nigerians. Truth be told, he must have trampled on the feet of many. Some unfortunate and innocent Nigerians lay prey, others deserving the loss. But, what shall we say? The Law is unfair most times. Somehow the dirty job needed to be done. In the same words of the former minister’s counsel, AU Mustafa, “Nasir El Rufai served this country to the best of his abilities and posterity will judge him accordingly. El Rufai deserves to be honoured not to be hounded. We would also like to state that he is prepared to meet his traducers in court. El Rufai raised the bar for public service in this country. The power cabal after him should do well to surpass it rather than waste their time trying to pull him down. That is what Nigeria demands and deserves from all those in public office.” I am in same club singing the song of AU Mustafa. Don’t point fingers yet. It is obvious. Another came and just couldn’t perform. I didn’t say that. It was Mr President who denied him more opportunities to come up with weaker policies. So far, I’ve found one thing to be grateful for to Mr President. “Accept my many thanks sir”. I am a disgruntled, dissatisfied, pained, Nigerian resident in a capital city. It’s an urge to you as you read, do your own bit to make the FCT habitable for not just me but you. Start by not throwing that banana peel out of your car. It’s a good start. On a lighter note, buy a horse whip in your car. While driving on FCT roads, don’t hesitate to flog those unruly bus drivers. This is a quick measure in the interim till the newly appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory decides to wear the former shoes of Nasir El-Rufai. I also expect him to polish them hard to shine. Don’t misunderstand me; I give him the benefit of doubt. He will prove himself shortly. Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, thumbs up for a job well done. I write and speak the good minds of many Nigerians. I wonder why the newly published Ministers’ list would lack a good name of a target oriented achiever, doer and accomplisher like his. The FCT was in good hands. I need some concurrence to the fact that the name El-Rufai can’t be detached from the name Abuja. Time will tell. Abuja, a beauty now turned beast. Mma Labelle Onyemelukwe
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