The Indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), represented by the Abuja Original Inhabitants Youths and Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO), have cautioned the Federal Government of Nigeria not to take the natives of the capital city for granted.
The group warned that the nation may face serious repercussions if their concerns are not addressed.
In a statement by the group’s president, Commandant Isaac David, following the announcement of the University of Abuja’s renaming in honour of former head of state General Yakubu Gowon, he said that the indigenous people have consistently faced provocation and frustration, adding that instead of resorting to violence, they have chosen to remain peace-loving citizens.
“We want the federal government to understand that we are neither weak, timid, nor cowardly. We are aware of how certain states in this country have resisted attempts to rename prominent universities in honour of particular national heroes, prompting the government to halt such actions.
“Yet, in the FCT, the narrative is different because we prioritize peace in all situations. We urge the government not to take this for granted,” he explained.
He further stated that to acknowledge the goodwill of the FCT natives, the government should consider providing compensation for their contributions to maintaining peace in Abuja.
“We want the government to recognize that we are aware of instances where names of non-indigenes have been rejected by locals in other states. Here, the government proceeded without any outcry.
“Therefore, we expect the government to compensate us for our restraint, as our leniency and understanding stem not from a lack of courage but from our patriotism, loyalty, and desire for national harmony,” he said.
David implored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to heed this advice seriously, warning that if the indigenous people turn against the government, “the consequences could be severe.”
“Although we have always had factions ready to resort to violence, we have chosen dialogue as our approach. However, if our concerns are ignored, the repercussions will be far too daunting for the government to manage,” he said.
