FCT Indigenous Communities Hail Wike, Appeal For Stronger Traditional Institutions

The indigenous communities of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have passed a vote of confidence in the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, citing his dramatic, unprecedented strides in infrastructure and security.

They, however, appealed for the elevation of traditional institutions within the nation’s capital.

The commendation and appeal were delivered by Comrade Simon Baba Yerima, the Madaiki of Kpaduma II community and Kpaduma Community general secretary.

At a press briefing held on behalf of Abuja natives yesterday, Yerima expressed gratitude to the minister for a hands-on approach to governance, saying, “We have seen a very, very dramatic and unprecedented development of FCT entirely, in every facet you think of.

“Not just the infrastructural development alone, we have seen that the aspect of insecurity has drastically reduced in FCT, we can say 99 per cent so far,” he said.

Yerima highlighted the tangible impact on local settlements, a departure from past administrations.

“We have seen the dividends of democracy, where development is witnessed in almost all our local settlements, interior. This has not happened before,” he said.

Yerima said that central to the community’s approval is the minister’s handling of decades-old grievances and the demand for integration over resettlement.

He recounted how previous governments had ignored their pleas, leading to numerous litigations.

“But I tell you the truth, we have seen the light of the day by the present administration,” he said.

He cited the specific example of Kpaduma, where the community identified a virgin land within their ancestral domain for relocation due to a road corridor project.

“The minister approved, and the layout has been done. We have been given our allocation papers, and strengthened our confidence and trust.”

The Madaki of Kpaduma II quoted Wike’s assuring words, “I will not deprive you of your original settlement. We can’t go and be strangers in another land.”

However, building on this goodwill, Yerima presented a key request, which is the upgrading of traditional institutions in the FCT.

He recalled that the last such upgrade was under a military administration led by the late Lieutenant General Jeremiah Useni.

“I would like to passionately request that the minister look into that traditional aspect. The traditional institution is actually the foundation of every government and governance, strengthening it will go a long way in achieving our democratic dividends,” he said.

As the Area Council elections approach, Yerima called for unity and purpose among indigenous political aspirants.

“My call is that we need candidates who will represent the good people of FCT. It’s not about political party, let’s have representation, no matter on whichever political platform,” he advised.

He concluded by reiterating the importance of empowering traditional rulers to bridge the gap between the government and the grassroots.