FCT Natives Commend Wike For Upgrading Traditional Rulers

Natives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the auspices of the Karu Gbagyi Development Association (KAGBADA), have commended the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike’s, decision to elevate several traditional rulers in the territory, describing the move as a “bold” correction of a longstanding grievance.

In a press statement signed by its public relations officer, ThankGod Musa Pada, and issued in Abuja yesterday, the association formally congratulated the Sakaruyi of Karu, HRH Joseph Danfulani Narai, and other second-class chiefs who have been upgraded to First Class status.

The organisation, which also commended the promotion of several third-class chiefs to the second-class rank, drew a historical parallel to a similar restructuring under the late General Sani Abacha.

“This bold move by Minister Wike mirrors a similar action on July 15, 1997, where the then FCT Minister, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni, spearheaded the grading of 11 Chiefdoms through Decree 8,” the statement reads.

According to the natives, the clamour for these elevations has been a persistent issue within the community, revealing that the topic was broached with the minister just last week during a media chat at his Life Camp residence.

“The request for upgrade has been a longstanding demand of our people, and we are proud to inform the community that just last week the KAGBADA Chairman, Sumner Shagari Sambo, brought up the issues of FCT traditional rulers before the FCT Minister,” the statement disclosed.

Sambo had used the opportunity to appeal for better engagement between the minister and the monarchs due to complaints that they were not being fully carried along.

With the upgrade now a reality under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, KAGBADA is urging the newly elevated monarchs to leverage their enhanced status for the betterment of the original inhabitants of the capital city.

“KAGBADA is urging our revered traditional rulers to use their new offices to restore the dignity of FCT Original Inhabitants, ensure that development trickles down to Abuja indigenes, and use their hallowed palaces to promote the overall wellbeing of our people in line with the customs and traditions of our people,” the statement concluded.