By LAIDE AKINBOADE

ABUJA—Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Senator Bala Mohammad, has justified the reason his administration was constructing  the N4 billion African First Ladies Peace Mission, AFLPM, building, as contained in the 2013 budget of the FCT Administration.

He said construction of public buildings in Abuja was the sole responsibility of Federal Capital Development Authority, FCTA.

The minister, who spoke while clarifying issues concerning the project, said:  “The Decree No.6 of 1976 that created Abuja also simultaneously created the FCTA with duty and responsibilities to plan, design, provide the infrastructure and construct public buildings as well as services to the entire 8,000 square kilometres of the FCT.”

Mohammed, who responded through his Senior Special Assistant on Information Management Systems, Hajiya Jamilah Tangazah, recalled that the AFLPM was created in 1996 to promote peace and harmony in Africa after the 1995 Beijing Conference on Women and its subsequent declaration in Zimbabwe during which the Organisation of African Unity (now African Union) keyed in.

He said: “Since its inception in 1996, the organisation has been debating issues of relevance to African women, children and youths as well as issues to do with social justice within the fields of population and development, the environment, and human rights especially gender equality.

“So as part of its remit to live up to its international obligation, the Federal Government accommodates certain international bodies- just like it is done across the globe; every year, the cost of rent or accommodation for such bodies tends to be above one billion naira.”

”In Abuja, this obligation is transferred to the FCT Administration and as part of its efficiency measure, the FCT Administration saw in the proposed headquarters of the African First Ladies Peace Mission building an opportunity to save cost by using the AFLPM building to serve multiple roles in providing office accommodation as well as housing not just the African First Ladies Peace Mission but to other international bodies as well.”

Senator Mohammed noted that from the foregoing, it could be seen that by proposing to build the AFLPM edifice, the FCT Administration was only acting in accordance with its duties and responsibilities as envisioned by the law.

The Minister emphasised that the FCT Administration had submitted the budget to the National Assembly to debate it and give its final approval, based on requisite needs of the nation’s capital as dictated by local, national and international postulations.

He expressed happiness that based on these, the Administration is convinced that the robust public debate that erupted on aspects of the proposed FCT 2013 budget will be done and guided with fervor of a people who are conscious of both historical and current roles they have played; and are proud of their tradition not just as national, but regional and continental leaders.Delta NURTW wades into Ughelli motor park crisis.