BCDU NATIONAL PRESIDENT CHARGES FCT LEADERSHIP TO UPHOLD CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER, STRENGTHEN GRASSROOTS ADMINISTRATION

Dr. Peter Tukura Commends FCT Leadership for Pioneering Orientation Programme for Newly Elected Area Council Executives



The National President of the Bassa Cultural and Development Union (BCDU), Dr. Peter Tukura, has charged the FCT State Leadership and newly elected Area Council executives of the Union to uphold the provisions of the BCDU Constitution and respect the established hierarchy of the Union in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Dr. Tukura gave the charge in his message delivered at an orientation programme organised by the FCT State Leadership of BCDU, led by Comrade Abdullahi Gbaji Kaura, for the newly elected BCDU Area Council executives across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory.

The programme, which brought together BCDU leaders, elders, former office holders, Area Council executives, political office holders and other stakeholders, was aimed at equipping the newly elected executives with the knowledge and leadership capacity required to effectively administer the Union at the grassroots.

Among the distinguished personalities in attendance were the National Treasurer, Chief A. A. Agaba; the Chairman, FCT BCDU Elders Forum; the Secretary, BCDU Board of Trustees, Dr. Shuaibu Adamu; and three former FCT BCDU Chairmen, namely Elder Umar Agaba, Elder Zhiya Kaura Ubo and Elder Dazhi Adamu.

Also present were the six Area Council executives and other distinguished personalities, including Hajiya Ramatu Kamadi, Vice Chairperson, Kwali Area Council; Hon. Audu Agaba, Council Secretary; the Supervising Councillor for Education and Social Development, Abaji Area Council; Amb. Hon. Salihu Zakari Galadima; former Supervising Councillor for Education and Social Development, Kwali Area Council, Hon. Alhassan Isa; Hon. Councillor representing Wako Ward, Kwali Area Council; as well as numerous leaders, elders and stakeholders of the Bassa community.

The National President was ably represented at the occasion by the General Secretary of the Union, Comr. Haruna Kure in Kwali Area Council, FCT Abuja.

In his message, the National President congratulated the FCT BCDU State Leadership and the newly elected Area Council executives on the successful organisation of the programme, describing the initiative as a laudable milestone in the development of the Union.

He particularly commended the FCT leadership for taking the initiative to organise an orientation programme of this nature, noting that it would contribute significantly to strengthening leadership capacity, grassroots mobilisation, effective administration and coordinated representation within BCDU.

The National President further observed that the programme represented a significant achievement and, to the best of available knowledge, was a programme of its kind not previously organised at this level within the FCT and the BCDU generally.

However, Dr. Peter Tukura used the occasion to remind the FCT State and Area Council leaderships of the need to operate strictly within the provisions of the BCDU Constitution and the established hierarchy of the Union.

He stressed that while the various levels of the Union have clearly defined responsibilities, their activities must remain within their constitutional mandates and should not encroach on responsibilities vested in the National Body.

Of particular importance, the National President clarified that matters concerning the constitution and appointment of the Board of Trustees (BoT) remain within the exclusive prerogative of the National Body. He therefore urged the State and Area Council structures to refrain from independently undertaking actions relating to the constitution or appointment of the BoT.

He, however, clarified that State and Area Council leaderships remain at liberty, where necessary, to establish Elders’ Forums and appoint Patrons, advisers and other aides to support their day-to-day activities and provide counsel, provided such arrangements are consistent with the BCDU Constitution and do not conflict with the authority and responsibilities of the National Body.

In addition, The National President also used the occasion to inform the general public and BCDU leadership of the successful opening of official BCDU accounts domiciled with United Bank for Africa (UBA).

He urged the various State and Local Government Area (LGA) structures of the Union to take advantage of this development by following suit and opening official accounts where necessary. Dr. Tukura disclosed that the National Secretariat had made adequate arrangements with the bank to facilitate a free, smooth and seamless account-opening process for States and LGAs wishing to establish official BCDU accounts, particularly with UBA.

He further stated that the National Secretariat would provide the necessary introductory letter to facilitate the process and ensure proper coordination between the respective BCDU structures and the bank.

The National President commended the FCT leadership for its demonstrated commitment to the growth and development of BCDU and urged the newly elected Area Council executives to work collectively with the State and National leaderships in promoting unity, discipline, effective grassroots representation and the overall welfare and development of the Bassa people.

He emphasised the importance of cooperation, mutual respect and adherence to constitutional provisions as essential ingredients for building a stronger, more united and effective Union.

The orientation programme provided a valuable platform for interaction between the newly elected Area Council executives, senior BCDU leaders, elders, former office holders and political stakeholders. It was widely regarded as an important step towards fostering a more coordinated, disciplined and effective leadership structure for BCDU across the Federal Capital Territory.

The National President's message ultimately reaffirmed the commitment of the National Body to supporting grassroots leadership development while ensuring that the constitutional structure, authority and institutional integrity of BCDU remain respected and protected.

Nyizo Samson Dangana

Special Assistant on New Media to BCDU National President, Dr Peter Tukura

30th August, 2026