Indigenous people of Abuja, under the auspices of Abuja Original Inhabitants Youths and Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO), have accused northern leaders of being the primary architects of the ongoing marginalisation of the FCT’s indigenous population.
In a statement issued by the group’s president, Commandant Isaac David, he indicated that since 1976, northern leaders have systematically failed the indigenous people of the FCT, subjecting them to continuous marginalisation and neglecting efforts to improve their circumstances.
David explained that despite the notable representation of northerners in both the Senate and House of Representatives, those leaders have not leveraged their positions to advocate for the indigenous population.
He criticised these leaders for engaging with the community only during election periods, after which they promptly disappear, urging them to acknowledge the role of Abuja natives within the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) instead of encouraging the community to oppose a government that has begun addressing their needs after 50 years.
“It is a shame that northern leaders cannot see the necessity for an Abuja indigene to hold a ministerial position or be a member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Now they expect us to fight against a government that has provided us with significant benefits over the past 50 years.
“Apart from appointing one of us as minister, we have also been entrusted with the position of mandate secretary and established a youth secretariat led by an indigene as the first mandate secretary, all accomplished within the first year of this government. Yet, we are being asked to oppose it.
“Where have the northern leaders been for the past five decades? The global leadership believes that Indigenous people are part of it, with those who profess to share our culture, tradition, and heritage instead seeming to take pleasure in using and discarding us,” he said.
He emphasised that northern leaders have markedly failed the indigenous people of the FCT, stating that the original inhabitants of Abuja have little to show for the support they have received, as previous northern presidents have done far less than what this current administration has accomplished for the capital city’s natives.
“So, no one should suggest we work against a government that has been actively working to reverse the marginalization inflicted upon us by our own people.
“Moreover, the north needs to stop playing religious politics whenever they feel sidelined in the national discourse.
“To be clear, we are satisfied with the current administration in the FCT. They should cease labeling individuals as ‘aruna’ or unbelievers; we do not engage in religious politics here,” Isaac stated.
He concluded by noting that the doors for reconciliation remain open for those who wish to amend their ways but should no longer view FCT indigenes as instruments for personal gain, as the indigenous community has matured and is capable of determining what is best for it.
