The Secretary, Area Councils Services Secretariat (ACSS), Ibrahim Abubakar Dantsoho has promised peaceful coexistence among all groups in the six councils of the FCT.
Dantsoho particularly stated that he and his office would ensure the attainment of permanent resolution of all chieftaincy crises which have continued to linger among chiefdoms across Area Councils of the FCT.
The new Secretary who envisioned this in a familiarisation meeting with members of the FCT Minister’s Press Corps in his office noted that only an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence would usher in the needed development in the FCT.
Dantsoho noted that as a son of the soil, he was aware of the issues and already has a programme and plan of action which include commencement of familiarisation tour of the chiefdoms, sensitising the people on the Imperative for peace and collaboration, even as he disclosed that he had a meeting with them few days before speaking with the press.
While seeking for more understanding and cooperation from the chiefdoms and all FCT residents, Dantsoho also warned them against land grabbing, even as he expressed hope of sustainable peace because “they have assured me of their maximum cooperation and understanding”, and I want them to know that we “must continue to see ourselves as our brothers keepers.
“Whether you are from this clan or the other clan, the most important thing is that peace is key in living together as one people. So this department and FCTA will continue with these.
“We are here to do what’s expected of us and the Chiefs have assured me of their maximum support. We will continue to interact with them, at every given period, I’ll make it like every one month ending.
“Where there are pending issues, with my experience and contact with them, we should be able to avoid any spring up of attacks within our communities.”
While speaking on the need to push the Area Councils to perform, Dantsoho said: “of course, that is the mandate of the Secretariat. They are elected by the people and we are appointed by the Administration (FCTA) to superintend on their activities and they equally know that we oversee them.
“They must be on their toes. We were in a meeting yesterday (Thursday), and they were asked to cooperate with the Secretariat and the secretariat will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that they match words with words in ensuring that whatever is given them is judiciously utilised for the benefits of the people that elected them.
“We are not going to be confrontational with them but we will parley together son that we all understand that we have responsibility to deliver and that they have been doing, particularly my Chair, the AMAC Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu Candido.
“Apologies to other Council Chairmen; they are doing their best, but the best is other enough, so we will do the push so that they can further do the needful for the people so that they can feel the impact of governance.
“That is what we are here to achieve and with your (Media) cooperation too, and we must put smiles on the faces of all the electorates and our principals who deemed it fit for appoint us.”
