FCT Natives Hail Wike Over Recognition Of Political Rights, Demand State Assembly, Governorship

Indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have applauded the minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for acknowledging their longstanding demands for political recognition, equal rights and full administrative structures, describing his position as a historic breakthrough in their decades-long struggle.

The supreme leader of FCT Youths, Ambassador Isaac David, who spoke on behalf of the Original Inhabitants, said Wike had made history by becoming the first serving FCT minister to openly address the challenges confronting the indigenous population and acknowledge the need to resolve their political and administrative concerns.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, David said the minister’s position went beyond merely listening to the grievances of the Original Inhabitants, noting that it had brought renewed attention to their quest for constitutional recognition, greater political representation and equal opportunities.

He said the indigenous population was demanding comprehensive political and administrative structures for the FCT, insisting that the territory should no longer be treated as a second-class entity but accorded institutional arrangements comparable to those enjoyed by other states in the federation.

Specifically, David called for the establishment of a State House of Assembly for the FCT, comprising elected lawmakers empowered to enact laws that would protect the interests of the indigenous population and promote the overall development of the territory.

He also demanded increased representation of the FCT in the House of Representatives through the creation of additional federal constituencies, as well as the establishment of more Area Councils to strengthen grassroots governance and political participation.

The youth leader further insisted that residents of the FCT should have the democratic right to elect their own governor, arguing that they should not be denied the level of political participation enjoyed by citizens of the 36 states.

David also called for justice, equal rights and opportunities for the Original Inhabitants, stressing that they deserved the same privileges and constitutional protections available to other Nigerians without discrimination.

He lamented what he described as decades of systematic marginalisation, discrimination and neglect of indigenous communities, whose ancestral lands, covering approximately 8,000 square kilometres, were acquired for the establishment of the nation’s capital.

According to him, Wike’s acknowledgment of these concerns represents a significant milestone in the peaceful struggle of the indigenous population, which has continued across several generations.

“This historic pronouncement is a vindication of our decades-long peaceful struggle. Our fathers cried for it, our mothers prayed for it, and our generation fought for it,” he said.

David maintained that the Federal Government, through the FCT minister, had recognised the legitimacy of the concerns and demands of the Original Inhabitants.

“Today, the Federal Government, through the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike, has acknowledged that our demands are just, constitutional and legitimate,” he stated.

He said the development had rekindled hope among indigenous communities for an inclusive political arrangement that would guarantee their participation in governance, decision-making and matters affecting their ancestral communities.

Against this backdrop, David urged residents and Original Inhabitants across the 858 communities in the FCT to support the Wike-led administration with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), while remaining united, peaceful and committed to pursuing their collective aspirations through democratic means.

He expressed optimism that sustained unity, constructive engagement and active political participation would bring the struggle closer to achieving its objectives.

“Our victory is near. We therefore urge all FCT residents and Original Inhabitants across the 858 communities to remain united, peaceful and focused. We must continue to pursue our demands through legitimate and democratic means,” he said.

The youth leader also expressed appreciation to Wike for what he described as his courage, sincerity and statesmanship in addressing the longstanding challenges confronting the indigenous population.

He equally commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Wike as FCT minister, describing him as a listening minister who had provided an opportunity for the concerns of the Original Inhabitants to receive attention under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We sincerely appreciate the Honourable Minister of the FCT for his courage, sincerity and statesmanship. We also appreciate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for giving the FCT a listening minister under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

David described the development as a defining moment in the history of the FCT Original Inhabitants, expressing hope that their longstanding demands for justice, equal rights, political representation and an end to discrimination would receive the attention they deserved.

“History will remember this day,” he declared.