The continuous demand from Abuja natives to have a ministerial slot has garnered attention as a new administration took office in May 2023. Despite a Supreme Court judgment recognizing Abuja as equivalent to a state in Nigeria and eligible for a minister from its own people, past administrations have ignored this plea. However, with President Bola Tinubu’s government now in power, the natives are optimistic that their voices will finally be heard, and their demands met.
Simon Baba-Yerima, the secretary of Kpaduma communities, expressed confidence in the present administration’s commitment to grant the natives their ministerial demand and secure a representative in the Federal Executive Council (FEC). He emphasized that after years of marginalization, it is crucial for Abuja natives to receive proper recognition and be involved in the decision-making processes of the nation.
Highlighting the importance of the Supreme Court judgment, Baba-Yerima emphasized that Abuja should be seen as a state and therefore deserves the right to have an indigene represent their interests in the FEC. He expressed optimism that President Tinubu, who has pledged justice for all Nigerians, will write his name with gold in Nigeria’s history book by addressing this demand and ending the long-standing marginalization faced by the indigenous people of FCT.
Ambassador Isaac David, CEO of Abuja Original Inhabitant Youth Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO), emphasized the need for an indigenous person to be appointed as the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure the success of the ruling All Progressive Party (APC) in the capital territory. He argued that the wrong appointments have hindered the party’s electoral victories in the FCT, and appointing an indigenous person as the FCT minister would bring about positive change and enhance peace in the region.
David urged the president to consider the implications of the ruling party’s electoral struggles in the FCT and emphasized that appointing an indigenous person as the FCT minister would strengthen the ruling party and foster unity. He drew a parallel with the successful administration of a Muslim and Muslim government in Nigeria, suggesting that an indigenous person as FCT minister would lead to peace and improved electoral outcomes for the APC in the capital territory.
