Abuja, Nigeria - An incident that threatened the peaceful celebration of the 49th Independence Anniversary occurred at the Eagle Square venue of the occasion in the nation's capital, as two youths stormed the VIP podium with a copy of the Holy Bible and swore that "until the leaders of the country speak for the truth, hell fire will be their portion."
The youths believed in some quarters as members of an unidentified religious sect in the capital territory shouted in large voices that leadership has failed the nation, adding that the country will be doomed if the leaders fail to do the right thing.
The duo that left the scene after their mission were later apprehended by men of the State Security Services, SSS and the police. Upon interrogation, the group claimed to be representing the voiceless in the society, insisting that the bible represents the truth and until leaders speak the truth they will spend eternity in hell fire.
One of them who gave his name as John Gideon told our correspondent in an interview that they were sent by God to deliver the message to the leaders as part of the 49th independence anniversary. They were later whisked away by security operatives in an ACCOS Hilux van to an unknown destination, after frantic efforts were made to make them remove the Bible left at the podium failed.
Meanwhile, the FCT Minister, Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero has disclosed that plans are in motion for the Federal Executive Council to consider and approve new guidelines for mass housing programmes in the territory.
Aliero stated this in his message on the occasion of the nation's 49th Independence Anniversary celebration.
He explained that the guidelines when approved would improve Mass Housing facilities and address the issue of housing deficit in the territory, noting that this is a deliberate move by the Federal Government to ensure the provision of affordable homes for all Nigerians dwelling in the city.
According to him, the importance of housing cannot be over emphasized, especially as it falls within the Seven-Point Agenda of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and said that the FCT Administration would not rest on its oars until cheap and decent accommodation is provided to all the residents of Abuja.
Aliero announced the completion of the Abuja @ 30 houses in Kpegyi, Kuje Area Council meant for the less privileged in the FCT, and that a date would soon be fixed for its commissioning and subsequent handing over to the beneficiaries to ensure that they have a sense of belonging.
He called on the Organised Private Sector to come and partner with the FCT Administration in its bid to provide basic infrastructure to additional districts in the Federal Capital City, Abuja.
The minister appreciated Allah for the developmental strides so far achieved since the creation of Abuja 33 years ago; stressing that its creation must be seen as a way of consolidating our political and economic independence.
Aliero emphasised the role of Abuja as a meeting point where every Nigerian has a right to live and contribute his/her quota to the growth and progress of the country, just as he congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates the 49th year as an independent country, insisting that “we have every reason to feel proud on the day that offers us the opportunity to reflect on our history and make a thorough reality check as we aspire to join the league of developed nations by the year 2020.”