Senate Kills Motion to Relocate Indigenes Living Around Abuja Airport

The Senate has rejected a bill calling for the relocation of communities around the Abuja International Airport.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, aimed to transform the vicinity around the airport into a modern and aesthetically pleasing area.

Senator Nwebonyi made a passionate plea to his colleagues, urging them to support the bill. He argued that the current state of the communities around the airport does not reflect well on the country’s image.

“As you descend into the Abuja airport, if you consider the view, you will agree with me that it is an eyesore and doesn’t give a good image of the nation,” he said.

Nwebonyi proposed that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, should include the relocation or renovation of the communities in his next budget. He emphasized that the buildings in the community are a reflection of the country and that it is essential to present a positive image to visitors and investors.

However, not all senators were convinced by Nwebonyi’s argument. Senate President Godswill Akpabio disagreed with the proposal, citing the example of his home state, Akwa Ibom.

“This community is some people’s village. The image of the nation does not start from where you are descending. When you are descending in my own state (Akwa Ibom), the things you will see are creeks and water. Are you saying that we should relocate that so it won’t spoil your eyes?” Akpabio asked.

Akpabio’s comments sparked a heated debate, with some senators arguing that the relocation of the communities would be a costly and unnecessary exercise.

Others pointed out that the communities around the airport are home to thousands of people who would be displaced by such a move.

In the end, the Senate President put the bill to a voice vote, and the sitting senators overwhelmingly rejected it. The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the Senate for prioritizing the welfare of the communities, while others have expressed disappointment at the missed opportunity to transform the area around the airport.