***As FCT youth leaders opts out of nationwide protests
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has promised to resolve perceived issues of injustice and marginalization of the indigenous people of the Nigerian Capital City, Abuja
During the course of a town hall engagement for Bwari and Amac residents on Monday, the percieved injustice cropped up as one of the major contending issues.
The Minister while addressing the people at the town hall engagement, which was also attended by the Area Council Chairmen and Heads of the various security agencies in the FCT, Abuja, said the issue would be addressed to give the people a sense of belonging in the FCT.
Chief Press Secretary to the executive Chairman Bwari Area council, Agada Samuel Ernest Godwin in a statement on Tuesday quoted Wike to have
commended them for coming out to express their grievances in a civilized manber
Wike noted that the FCT has a generation of residents who were born and schooled in the FCT and know no other place that they call home than the FCT.
He equally called for peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians in the nation’s capital.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the chief host and Executive Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Hon (Dr) John Gabaya reiterated the resolve of the Youths to embrace dialogue against protests and expressed the support of the people for the FCT Minister.
The Chairman applauded the Minister who has been working hard to build a strong and prosperous future for everyone in FCT
“His commitment is absolute, and his policies are deliberate and well thought out. His love for the Federal Capital Territory FCT Abuja cannot be questioned; soon enough, it will manifest in different areas of our lives.” (Dr) Gabaya said.
He thanked the traditional rulers and other Area council chairmen Led by FCT ALGON Chairman, Hon Danladi Chiya who were present for the interaction to enlighten the Abuja North youths against joining a protest they do not have a stake in.
Gabaya expressed appreciation to Wike for the decision to interact with the people at the grassroots.
Barrister Nyesom Wike was also presented with a life-size portrait of himself by the youths and other stakeholders in attendance in Bwari Area council, Abuja.
Also speaking at the event, the Immediate past representative of the FCT in the Public Complaints Commission, Hon. Ezekiel Dalhatu who spoke on behalf of the Youth Stakeholders Forum and the coalition of all the youth groups across the FCT, said the youths have opted out of the planned nationwide protests in order to dialogue with the government.
“We prefer to sit with you to express our grievances in a more civilized manner and that is why we are here”.
Speaking Earlier, youths representative from Bwari Area Council, Mr Theo Chikudu, and the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Comrade Gambo Yunusa who took turns to speak said they preferred dialogue and would not join the planned nationwide protest
The occasion was graced by dignitaries, traditional rulers and political office holders including, 9th Senate minority Leader, distinguished Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda, Hon Aminu Musa Gumel, Vice Chairman Bwari Area Council, Speaker Of the 9th Assembly, Bwari Legislative Arm,Hon Ahmed Douglas Yerima, Hon Eli Peter Kadanya, council Secretary, Bwari Area council, Abuja.