…Demand Inclusion of Original Inhabitants
The Federal Capital Territory Stakeholders’ Assembly has condemned the exclusion of FCT indigenes from the list of 35 ambassadorial nominees recently sent to the Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the omission as “deliberate, calculated, and unconstitutional.”
A statement by its President, Dr. Aliyu Daniel Kwali, said “deeply concerned” that not a single nominee from the FCT made the list—despite the over six million Original Inhabitants (OIs) and residents who are full citizens and stakeholders in the Nigerian federation.
The group said the omission reflects a growing pattern of exclusion under the Tinubu administration. They recalled that in June 2025, the government allegedly violated the NCDC Establishment Act, 2024, by failing to appoint any FCT indigene to the Governing Board of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) despite numerous appeals from stakeholders and civil society.
The Assembly further lamented that during peaceful efforts to draw national attention to what they described as discrimination, one protester was killed by the police, yet government “did not address the clear violation” of their rights.
“With the 2026 Area Council elections and the 2027 general elections approaching, we strongly advise that government actions reflect fairness, inclusion, and adherence to constitutional provisions—not continued marginalization,” the statement said.
The group declared that FCT Original Inhabitants “will no longer accept persistent violations” of their rights or attempts to render them second-class citizens in their own homeland.
The Assembly therefore issued two immediate demands to the President:
1. Include at least one Original Inhabitant among the ambassadorial nominees.
2. Appoint at least two Original Inhabitants to the NCDC Governing Board.
The statement also called on the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, to rise to his constitutional responsibilities. Citing Section 299(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the group reminded him that as the representative of the President and Governor of the FCT, he bears the duty to protect the rights and interests of the Original Inhabitants, “just as any state governor would for their people.”
“We urge the Honorable Minister to confront this injustice with the same vigor he applies to land administration and infrastructure development. Ultimately, human infrastructure is the most valuable asset,” the Assembly added.
The group concluded with a reaffirmation of its commitment to lawful advocacy, declaring: “Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”