FCT, Nigeria – There is growing concern and frustration within the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, over the refusal of the former Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu, to return an official SUV Prado Jeep, which she used during her tenure.
The vehicle is estimated to be worth about N200 million.
This issue arose three weeks after the dissolution of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Alongside this, two of Dr. Aliyu’s aides, who served as Special Assistants on Special Investment Programme, SIP, and Climate Change, continue to occupy official office spaces, allegedly unauthorized.
Insiders have expressed their shock that Dr. Aliyu, who reportedly owns a fleet of exotic cars, has not returned the government vehicle.
It is a tradition for outgoing officials to return such assets immediately after leaving office for servicing and preparation for the next administration.
Additionally, the retention of office spaces by her aides has led to speculation that Dr. Aliyu might be lobbying for reappointment as a minister.
The Special Assistant on SIP is reported to have come from the private sector, while the Special Assistant on Climate Change is a seconded staff from the Development Control Department under the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, AMMC, of FCTA and was expected to return to his department.
According to sources on Thursday, June 22, 2023, Dr. Aliyu allegedly focused on lobbying for reappointment and abandoned her constitutional responsibilities at the FCT in the months leading up to May 29, 2023.
There are also allegations that towards the end of her tenure, Dr. Aliyu was using her position to gain advantages, including allegedly taking Hajj slots from the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to lobby close allies of Bola Tinubu for appointment.
Attempts to reach Dr. Aliyu for comments have been unsuccessful as she is reportedly out of the country, and her close aides have refused to comment on the matter.
