Indigenous Group Accuses Wike of Ignoring FCT Traditional Rulers, Misusing Resources for Rivers Politics

An indigenous youth group in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Abuja Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO), has accused the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, of sidelining traditional rulers and indigenous stakeholders in the territory while allegedly using FCT resources to pursue political interests in Rivers State.

The group made the claims at a world press conference in Abuja on Thursday, where its President, Amb. Isaac David, spoke on behalf of the original inhabitants of the FCT.

David said since Wike’s appointment as FCT Minister, he has failed to pay courtesy visits to most royal palaces in the territory or hold meaningful consultations with traditional rulers, community elders, youth leaders, and women’s groups across the six area councils of the FCT.

According to him, traditional rulers and community stakeholders play a critical role in grassroots administration, social cohesion, and community development, yet have been largely ignored by the minister.

“Since Wike became the FCT Minister, he has not visited most of our traditional rulers’ palaces nor convened meetings with FCT stakeholders or elders. These are the people whose guidance and support are crucial for governance and community development, yet the minister seems to have completely ignored them,” David said.

He added that the lack of engagement has created resentment among original inhabitants and residents of Abuja, who feel marginalised within their own communities.

The AOIYEO president also questioned the minister’s recent visits to traditional rulers in Rivers State, describing them as politically motivated, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.

“During the Christmas and New Year celebrations, while residents and traditional rulers in the six FCT area councils waited for his recognition or invitation, Wike was busy visiting different parts of his state. This neglect raises serious questions: does he see the people of the FCT as important only around election times?” he asked.

David criticised what he described as a pattern of political expediency, arguing that the minister’s outreach to traditional rulers outside the FCT appears aimed at boosting his political standing ahead of the next general elections.

He further expressed concern over what the group called the exclusion of FCT traditional rulers from policy and development decisions affecting the territory, stressing that inclusive governance requires regular consultation with custodians of culture and community leaders.

“We expect the minister to respect our customs and serve as a bridge between the federal government and the local people. So far, that has not happened. The women, the youth, the elders, and all residents of the FCT want to be part of Abuja’s progress, but they need the minister’s leadership and presence to feel included,” he said.

The group also appealed to Wike to stop using FCT resources in political disputes in Rivers State, including his reported conflict with the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, urging him to focus resources on the development needs of the FCT.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, AOIYEO said attention would be on whether the FCT minister would address the concerns raised by indigenous communities by actively engaging traditional rulers, stakeholders, and residents of the territory.