Four indigenous chiefdoms Amac in the Federal Capital Territory , FCT, comprising Tungan kwaso, Tungan Madaki, Kukudabma, Anguwan kano, on Tuesday, raised alarm over non compensation for the Abuja Airport 2nd Runway and alleged marginalisation by the Federal Government, especially in the area of basic infrastructure.
According to them, despite their support to successive governments, the authorities have not deemd it fit to guarantee their rights to adequate compensation, clean and potable water, access to basic healthcare and education as well as the sustainable exploitation of their environment.
The communities spoke through Serah Tukurah the Executive Director (GEI initiative), in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
It could be recalled that last week the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved over N92 billion for the construction of a second runway for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan had also given a similar approval of N63 billion for the construction of a second runway at Abuja airport in the twilight of his administration and yet the affected communities have not been compensated.
Serah said there was a sizeable number of indigenous communities at the Airport, who were on the verge of extinction, because the people had been forgotten, neglected and marginalized for so long without compensation since the inception of the Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport.
She stated, “We have been marginalised as the Indigenous people of Abuja, and we are seeking adequate compensation and emancipation and for us to continue to live in peace, we need basic social amenities.
“We have practically been denied necessities such as water, education, healthcare and infrastructure. Today, about four indigenous native tribes are not only marginalised, but facing serious hardship.”
While calling for urgent action to reverse the negative trend, the organisation urged the people to steer clear of violence and continue to live in peace with other tribes in the nation’s capital.
“Our emancipation won’t be through radical means, but through positive activism,” she added. (NAN)