Lagos — I APPRECIATE the effort of the incumbent Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Senator Adamu Aliero to restore Abuja's master plan, make Abuja the cleanest environment in the world, rid the streets of beggars, ban private commercial vehicles and motorcycles and embargo street trading. Also, I commend the Federal Capital Development Authority under the Minister's watch for re-constructing Kubwa roads.

However, much as it is understandable that destruction must first precede construction, the wanton demolition of shop attachments, signposts, shops and houses in the FCT is worrisome and inhuman.

In Kubwa for instance, many artisans and traders who are not in any way obstructing the on-going road rehabilitation have had their shops destroyed by the task force from the Abuja Development Control Unit. This is unfair. Millions of property has been lost to these mindless demolitions and many able-bodied men and women who are eking out a living from these workshops and business centers have been thrown into the unemployment market.

Granted that some of these structures may not have government approvals, however, the social dislocations and negative impact these demolitions would have on the country's economy should override the legality of such actions. I am of the opinion that those who built these shops and houses without the necessary approvals could be made to pay the necessary fees and fines before approval would be given on the buildings.

Pulling down the structures is not the answer, particularly if they are not impeding government development efforts. This informal sector drives the economy especially now that government is unable to employ the army of unemployed youths in Nigeria.

The eternal words of J.F Kennedy should be our watchword, "if a free society cannot help the many who are poor; it cannot safe the few who are rich."

Mr. Ojo, a public affairs commentator, writes from Abuja.