Abuja residents call for caution over plans to alter master plan

Residents of Southend estate in Abuja the nation’s capital under the auspices of Concerned Residents have appealed for diplomacy over what they call moves to distort the masterplan of the estate.

This is even as they say they are not against the decision of any religious group to erect a place of worship even though it was not contained in the original masterplan but urged that such must be done in a manner that will not threaten the security of the residents.

In a chat with a member of the Concerned Residents who simply identified himself as Malachy said the alleged move by the Muslim community in the estate is not a general agreement of property owners, urging that due authorisation should be obtained from relevant authorities.

He further expressed concern that the proposed site for the mosque is the emergency exit gate as contained in the masterplan, noting that such structure could make the estate prone to security risks by non-residents who may demand access to the worship place at odd hours, advising that a suitable location should be identified for such.

Chairman of Southend Residents Association, SERA Mr Goni Bukar while speaking on the matter said the arguments being generated by the decision of Muslim community in the estate is not necessary, stating that the issues could be resolved if the Concerned Residents indicate interest in a negotiation, insisting that a mosque in the estate does not constitute a security threat.

According to Mr. Bukar, when the population increased, the Muslim community in the estate wrote to the developer, Samuelson Construction Group Ltd to officially request for an allocation to erect a mosque, a request that was not obliged which left the community with the option of seeking the intervention of FCDA.

“It was when he ignored our request severally that the Muslim community wrote to the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA to find out if there is any provision for a religious structure in the estate.

“Few days later, officials of the FCDA came and went round to know why there should be no provision for a mosque or even church and other facilities. Members of the Muslim community accompanied them and after that there was no response from FCDA.

“The Muslim community went for follow-up severally to find out true position of things but there was no response.

“At this point they went to the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petition. When the MD of the estate developer, Sam Osivwemu was invited, he did not show up twice. It was when the committee was contemplating a bench warrant against him that he appeared.

“He told the committee that he has given the Muslim community a land at the proposed second gate. He also told the committee chairman, Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso that he has settled with the Muslim committee. That was what I heard. I was not there” he said.

When contacted, the Managing Director of Samuelson Construction Group Ltd, Mr. Sam Osivwemu said there is no designated place in the original plan for any worship centre in the estate for any religious group.

While stating that every district by FCT masterplan is supposed to have a religious centre, Mr. Osivwemu said it was not contemplated that any religious house should be constructed in a private estate.

He further admitted that the issue is currently before the National Assembly, urging the Muslim community to obtain a proper approval from relevant agencies for construction of their place of worship even though such was never in the original masterplan.

For now, the chairman of SERA, Mr. Goni Bukar is worried that members of Concerned Residents have not presented themselves for dialogue with the Muslim community on amicable resolution of the issues even though the residents noted that their only concern is the chosen location for the mosque and not its presence.

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