By Christiana Ekpa
The Abuja Original Inhabitants, under the auspices of the FCT Stakeholders Assembly across 858 communities issued a passionate appeal for unity and collaboration between indigenes and leaders of different organisations both local and international of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to foster the development of democracy and entrench the right to vote and to be voted for within the territory.
This was the highlighted of the discussion in the maiden meeting of the Assembly which was centred on the crucial need for a united front to address the challenges facing the FCT and to fully realize its democratic potential.
While speaking, the president of Assembly Dr Aliyu Daniel emphasized that the unique composition of Abuja, with a diverse population of both original inhabitants and residents, necessitates a collaborative approach from different organisations to achieve statehood and political development for FCT
The Stakeholders Assembly reiterated its commitment to working with all irrespective of language, tribe, background and qualifications to achieve a more inclusive and democratic FCT.
It called on all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and partnership to build a stronger and more prosperous future for all.
The Assembly expressed its hope that this call for unity will be met with positive responses from all segments of the FCT community, paving the way for a more inclusive and democratic future for the nation’s capital.
Daniel also enjoined FCT natives to give necessary support the minister for breaking the jinx that his predecessors were unable to break. “Barr Nyesom Wike deserves every minute of our appreciation and accolades from because no minister has never come close to his achievements, the indigenous people have never had it so good like this until this Minister came. Another landmark achievement is ₦50b potable water project across all the satellite towns of FCT, so let appreciate this with our support for him to do more.”
He also called on the minister to step in to address the strike action embarked upon by the teachers of primary schools in FCT to safeguard the future of these Innocent children
Prominent government officials at the meeting included, Hon Abubakar Umar Abdullah, the chairman of Abaji Area council, Hon. Sulaiman Abdullah Ango and Hon Lawrence Bitrus; the mandate secretary of Agricultural and Area council Secretariats respectively, Hon. Musa Dikko, FCT commissioner, Public Complaint Commission among others.
