Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has resolved the over 15-year-old crisis of Apo mechanics village.
The Coordinator of Abuja Municipal Management Council (AMMC), Chief Felix Obuah, settled the crisis on behalf of the Minister.
In a meeting with 17 recognised unions and 16 others, Obuah announced to the mechanics and traders in the affected areas Wike has approved a land in Wassa community of Abuja for relocation of all affected people.
Speaking with reporters after the meeting Obuah said: “This issue of Apo Mechanics and traders has lasted for over 15 years, I am just three months old in this office and we have settled the issue, today they are happy, they are smiling and we are smiling.
“Over 50 unions that have been quarrelling, I have reduced them to four and they are happy. I’ve been able to bring everybody together, all the noise has died down.
“We’ve decided to relocate all the traders on the road corridor, buffer zone and the right of way to Wassa any moment from now and they are all happy.
“As I speak to you, the Minister had given approval, even the task force to affect the movement bus being set up. We have enough space, as a matter of fact, I can accommodate as much as they are genuine. The enumeration team to verify them is already on ground, it will not be a situation when one man will bring his family member.
“The Minister has given a marching order and we have to follow it judiciously without compromise. In less than one month, we will relocate them. Where we are taking them is a permanent place.”
Obuah explained that enumeration would be thorough and that the traders and mechanics provide their NIN for the allocation to stall double registration.
The AMMC Coordinator made it clear that the allocations would be for individuals, not unions, but that he would need the unions to get the job done.
