Stakeholders seek inclusive governance of Abuja

Several stakeholders including youth groups, women associations, and indigenous grassroots organisations are advocating for an inclusive democratic governance structure that would ensure greater participation of all and sundry especially Abuja indigenes in the running of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Making this advocacy known when the stakeholders recently convened to voice their grievances, one of the major stakeholders, who spoke on behalf of the natives, Elder Danjuma Tanko Dara, decried that the existing governance framework in the FCT lacks democratic representation, which undermines the principles of accountability and transparency.
He noted that concerns regarding land allocations, environmental regulations, and urban development plans that seem to benefit a select few while neglecting the broader interests of the community.
“As a territory administered directly by the federal government, Abuja does not have an elected local government. This results in decisions being made without the input or consideration of the people directly affected by those decisions.
“We, the people of Abuja, have a right to voice our opinions in matters that affect our lives, yet we find ourselves sidelined in the decision-making process. FCT ministers operate with little oversight, leading to widespread impunity in the exercise of their powers.
“We are living in a democracy, yet we are treated as if we are under an autocracy. This must change. We believe that an absence of a structured, democratic approach allows for these corrupt practices to thrive.
“They act with the authority of emperors, making decisions that impact our lives without accountability. This is no longer acceptable”, Dara stated
He added that if the federal government fails to implement a democratic structure for the FCT, the natives will have no option but to mobilize residents and invoke the power of their ancestors.
According to him: “Our people have written letters, staged peaceful protests, and held community forums, yet our voices remain unheard. If this unresolved situation continues, we will have to take more drastic actions.
“We have deep-rooted traditions and ancestral powers. If those in positions of authority continue to abuse their powers, we will call on our ancestors to take action against families committing acts of impunity in our territory.”