FCT Natives Tackle Amnesty Over Kuje Controversy, Question Silence on Demolitions, Marginalisation

By Stanley Onyekwere

Indigenous residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the umbrella of the Abuja Original Inhabitants Youths Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO), have criticised Amnesty International over its recent intervention in a political controversy involving the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo.

During a press briefing in Abuja, AOIYEO Executive Director, Commandant Isaac David, addressed Amnesty International’s reaction to a viral video in which the Kuje chairman reportedly threatened residents, saying, “It’s either you are doing APC or leave the Area Council.”

David clarified that AOIYEO was not defending the chairman’s alleged remarks but questioned what he described as the human rights organisation’s “selective intervention.”

He argued that while Amnesty International has a respected global reputation, its mandate requires it to consistently oppose systemic injustices, regardless of the political identities of those involved.

David raised concerns over what he described as the organisation’s silence on decades of grievances affecting the 858 indigenous communities across the FCT.

He highlighted issues including demolitions, land disputes, forced displacement without adequate compensation, security threats and political marginalisation by the Federal Government.

According to David, intervening in a localised political dispute risks diluting Amnesty International’s core mission and could heighten tensions between indigenous residents and non-indigenous inhabitants.

He further alleged that the intervention appeared geared towards generating social media attention rather than addressing fundamental human rights concerns.

To highlight what he described as double standards, David questioned why Amnesty International had not shown similar outrage over past high-profile political statements, citing former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s “do-or-die” remark in 2007 and comments made by the Oba of Lagos during the 2015 elections.

Addressing the Kuje chairman’s conduct, David noted that younger politicians often emulate the actions and inflammatory rhetoric of senior political figures. He urged political leaders to exercise restraint and promote democratic dialogue rather than resort to threats.

Concluding the briefing, David called on Amnesty International to focus more attention on advocating for the long-standing rights, land security and political representation of the FCT’s original inhabitants.

He stressed that political differences should be resolved democratically and without intimidation.I can also make it shorter and SEO-compliant for online newspaper publication while retaining all the key points.