Press Statement by Take It Back Movement, Gwagwalada Chapter
“Rising Against Injustice: Gwagwalada’s Call for Roads and Accountability”
In blatant disregard for the plight of Gwagwalada’s citizens, the chairman of Gwagwalada area council and its leadership have chosen insults over dialogue in response to the impassioned pleas of our aggrieved youth demanding better roads and a brighter future. Quoting the Nigerian Constitution, which upholds the right to peaceful assembly (Chapter IV, Section 40), we assert that their voices are not only valid but crucial for the sustenance of democracy.
The statement advising protesters not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals is not just foolish but a gross underestimation of the genuine suffering endured by the people of Gwagwalada. Despite collecting substantial revenue daily from shop owners and market traders at Gwagwalada market, the area council turns a blind eye to the deplorable state of the roads.
Punch’s investigation, prompted by an FOI letter from the Take It Back Movement to the chairman, revealed the council’s attempt to shirk responsibility for the Gwagwalada market road. If they deny accountability for this, what about the abbatoir road, Giri internal road, and old Kutunku internal roads? It is a disgrace for the chairman to insult the youth, accusing them of being motivated solely by monetary gain.
Turning our attention to the chairman’s track record, claims of accomplishments crumble in the face of reality. Public funds are diverted into personal assets like cars, houses, and lands, while the pressing needs of the community are neglected. The supposed construction of the townhall stands exposed as a facade – an abandoned project that speaks louder than the chairman’s empty promises.
Mr. Ibrahim Y. Yamawo, the press secretary, is complicit in the charade, acknowledging the chairman’s selective distribution of palliatives and empowerment exclusively to his cronies. His attempt to sugarcoat this reality by praising the chairman’s so-called “youth and women empowerment scheme” across the 10 political wards is a betrayal of the truth.
As the Take It Back Movement Nigeria – Gwagwalada chapter, we demand a public apology from the chairman of Gwagwalada area council. It is time for immediate action to address the dire state of the roads and for the chairman to fulfill his responsibilities to the people of Gwagwalada. Our call is not just for roads but for justice, accountability, and a revolutionary change that places the welfare of the community above personal interests.
Signed:
Manaseh Ben Paul
For Take It Back Movement, Gwagwalada Chapter