*’FCT Needs Gov, State Assembly, Senatorial Districts, More Reps, Increased LGs, Development Commission, Customary Lands Ownership, Others’
*Canvasses Constitutional Amendments
*’Presidential Bid For Re-election Right Atmosphere To Get FCT’s Needs’
President and Commandant of Abuja Original Inhabitants and Youths Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO), Comrade Isaac David, has issued a strong call to action by original inhabitants and residents of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging them to seize the current political moment and demand justice, equity and full political rights during President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
In a statement, David said the renewed political activities across the country present a rare opportunity for FCT’s indigenous people to collectively challenge decades of political and administrative marginalisation rooted in what he described as “unjust legal frameworks.”
According to him, indigenous people and residents of Abuja must rise above individual political interests and unite around a common charter of demands aimed at securing freedom from discrimination and full political autonomy.
“We face critical challenges that continue to deny us equity, justice and self-governance. This moment must not be wasted,” David declared.
The AOIYEO President outlined a number of key demands, calling on President Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, to sponsor a bill at the National Assembly to separate the Office of the President from the role of Executive Governor of the FCT, as well as the separation of the National Assembly from a proposed FCT State House of Assembly.
He further demanded the establishment of full political and administrative structure for the FCT, including a second tier of government, additional senatorial districts, increased representation in the House of Representatives, and the creation of more Local Government Areas (LGAs).
David also renewed calls for the division of the FCT into two entities—a Federal Capital City (FCC) to serve as Nigeria’s seat of power; and a State of FCT to be governed by its own elected governor who will be accountable to the people.
Other demands include the creation of an Abuja Original Inhabitants Development Commission (AOIDC) and the protection of the human and fundamental rights of indigenous people, particularly the ownership of customary lands and properties.
Addressing youths and women, the AOIYEO President urged them not to allow the opportunity to slip away, stressing that their future and that of generations unborn is at stake.
He also appealed to elders, stakeholders and political leaders to provide guidance and leadership in presenting a unified demand to the President and FCT authorities.
David posed a critical question on behalf of the people: “Who will represent the true interests of the FCT?” insisting that original inhabitants and residents must have a seat at the table in discussions with the President and FCT Ministers.
He concluded by calling for unity and collective action, declaring that the indigenous people of the FCT would no longer remain silent on issues affecting their land, rights and future.
“Our land, our rights, our future, we will not be silenced again,” the statement read.
*PHOTO CAPTION: David.
