FCT minister sets up task force for recovery of N9.2bn

FCT minister, Muhammad Bello, has set up a task force for the recovery of the N9.2 billion debt owed Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB).

Bello also approved the dissolution of AEPB management team led by Baba Shehu Lawan, and announced the immediate appointment of Oluwatoyin Omolola Olanipekun as the AEPB acting director.

Bello had during a meeting with the former AEPB management team, directed that the new Task Force be headed by former AEPB Director (Lawan) which was given eight weeks to recover the debt into FCT Administration’s coffers.

The minister also approved the immediate removal of all heads of Department as well as Heads of Unit under the Board and directed their deputies to immediately take charge.

Bello directed the Director of the FCT Establishment and Training who was also part of the meeting to issue the new appointees with their appointment letters.

He warned that all lackadaisical attitudes to work must be stopped forthwith as Abuja must be rid of filth, street beggars, street hawkers and all other environmental nuisances immediately.

The minister remarked that a lot of things are not going on well at the Board and further warned the new team to work to change the tide immediately.

He said that the former Director and his management team should ensure all handing over processes are completed by Friday, May 27, 2016.

Similarly, Minister also approved the appointment of Abdullahi Adamu Monjel to head a special team of 200 security personnel drawn from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to assist in the enforcement of environmental laws in Abuja.

The Minister was however quick to warn the new management and special team to conduct their duties within the ambit of the law.

Bello further warned that the FCT Administration would not tolerate any act of abuse of fundamental human rights of the residents in the discharge of their duties.

He urged them to diligently do their jobs by following and applying the law and due process.