Reps panel asks Egbetokun to arrest FCDA officials over ‘breach’ of building code

A house of representatives panel has asked Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), to order the arrest of Richard Dauda, executive secretary of the federal capital development authority (FCDA), over an alleged breach of the FCT building code.

The committee on public petitions also asked the IGP to order the arrest of Muktar Galadima, director of the department of development control of the federal capital territory authority (FCTA), and Yahaya Abubakar, director in charge of regional planning, and bring them before the committee on March 28.

Mike Etaba, chairman of the committee, made the demand after members of the panel inspected a building located at plot AO9399, cadastral zone, Guzape, following a petition filed by Leke Abejide, a lawmaker from Kogi state.

Etaba said the public officials shunned several invitations from the committee.

“We had a petition that was brought before us by a Nigerian citizen. In the course of the investigation, FCDA has refused to come and tender the documents necessary for us to proceed with this investigation. Today, we have come to the site referenced in the petition,” Etaba said.

“We have looked at the building plan, and the engineer on site, who we met known as Mr. Emmanuel, told the committee that there is no approved building plan with him right now.

“We have looked at the structure, the landmark, and the cantilever. The complainant is a Nigerian who has a right to his security and safety.

“We have looked at it, and we are demanding more documents, most especially the approved plan so that the FCDA would be able to explain to us the guidelines they gave for this building to determine what is good for this site and let Nigerians living around here have their peace. We are here to do justice to everybody.”

Etaba said the parliament has the constitutional power to order the arrest of any Nigerian who ignores the summons of lawmakers.