Utweets
Residents and indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and address what they described as a long-standing injustice in the territory’s political structure....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>
They also demanded the right to elect their own leaders, including a governor, as is the case in other states across Nigeria.
They voiced their concerns over the current governance system, which relies on appointed officials rather than elected representatives.
They argued that the arrangement has led to a disconnect between the government and the people, limiting accountability and true representation.
Elder Danjuma Tanko Dara, leader of the Senior Citizens Forum, who spoke with journalists in Abuja on Thursday on behalf of the concerned FCT residents, called for a more inclusive political framework.
“We acknowledge the infrastructural strides made by the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. However, development alone is not enough. We need a government that is accountable to us, chosen by us, and truly represents our interests,” he said.
He expressed dissatisfaction with what he perceived as a governance system that marginalizes them.
While acknowledging Wike’s contributions to urban renewal, he insisted that true progress cannot be achieved without democratic representation.
“We are witnessing positive changes in Abuja, but we remain unhappy with the political structure that denies us the right to elect our own leaders,” Dara added.
He also accused unnamed individuals of resisting political reforms to maintain control over the territory.
According to him, these “destroyers” fear accountability and have deliberately stalled efforts to establish a governance model that promotes transparency and checks and balances.
“These forces want to keep Abuja under an undemocratic system that stifles growth and development,” Dara stated.
Calling on President Tinubu to act decisively, Dara urged him to stand against those who, in their words, “reap where they have not sown” and prioritize personal interests over the well-being of FCT residents.
“This is an opportunity for Mr President to write his name in gold by ensuring that the people of Abuja have a government of their own choice,” Dara said.
The demand for self-governance, he noted, is not about partisan politics, but about equity, justice, and sustainability. He insisted that the FCT should reflect the aspirations of all Nigerians, rather than being controlled by political appointees.
“The FCT does not belong to any political party; it is the heart of our nation, and its governance should reflect the collective will of its people,.
“We will not rest until we have a government of our own choosing, a legislature that understands our challenges, and a political system that truly represents us,” Dara stated…CONTINUE READING>>
