Tinubu Urged To Include FCT In Ambassadorial Appointments

The Original Inhabitants Development Association (OIDA) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to address the exclusion of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the recent batches of ambassadorial nominees, describing the development as unfair, unjust and a marginalisation of Abuja indigenes.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its President, Danladi Jeji, the association appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently review and rectify the ambassadorial list by ensuring the inclusion of qualified indigenes of the FCT.

OIDA criticised officials involved in the nomination process, accusing them of failing to observe the federal character principle as enshrined in the Constitution.

“It is disheartening that the presidential aides responsible for the selection process failed to reflect the federal character principle by ensuring fair representation of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,” Jeji said.

“Our findings show that the FCT was excluded from both the career and non-career ambassadorial lists. This is unfair, unjust and a further attempt to marginalise the most marginalised segment of the Nigerian federation.”

The association anchored its position on Section 299 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides that the FCT should be treated as a state of the federation.

Jeji recalled the recent political relevance of the provision, noting that it played a key role in the legal battles that followed the 2023 presidential election.

“This is the same section of the Constitution that reinforced the victory of the APC in the post-election cases instituted by opposition parties,” he said.

He also cited the composition of the North Central Development Commission, where, according to him, the FCT remains the only constituent entity without representation.

“In the interest of equity and fairness, and to give Abuja indigenes a genuine sense of belonging, we call on Mr President to urgently nominate both career and non-career ambassadors from the FCT,” Jeji added.

The OIDA president stressed that the original inhabitants of Abuja have competent and experienced sons and daughters capable of effectively representing Nigeria at diplomatic levels.

He concluded by urging President Tinubu to demonstrate commitment to constitutional equity.

“Just as the Supreme Court gave effect to the wisdom of Section 299 of the Constitution in consolidating your electoral victory, the indigenes of the FCT are eagerly waiting for you to give life to that same provision by nominating qualified Abuja indigenes as ambassadors,” Jeji said.