FCT: CSO calls for comprehensive approach to address land, other issues

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called for comprehensive approach to address the ongoing forcible acquisition of lands belonging to the Original Inhabitants (OIs) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Executive Director of CHRICED, Mr Ibrahim Zikirullahi made the call at a one-day Capacity Stakeholders Report-Back Session held in Abuja on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that CHRICED through funding by MacArthur Foundation sponsored some CSOs that embarked on a project on “Promoting Cultural Values and Rights of Original Inhabitants (Ols) in the FCT.”

Zikirullahi was represented by Faith Nwadishi, Executive Director, Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), one of the groups that carried out the project.

He said that the plight of the OIs was not merely a legal issue but was a matter of social justice and human dignity.

“For decades, these communities have faced exclusion from the political and economic processes that shape their lives.

“The systematic neglect of their rights has led to a loss of cultural heritage and economic disenfranchisement.”

He said that CHRICED, through the funding by MacArthur Foundation had been able to undertake projects, collaborated with local leaders and policy makers to promote a cooperative synergy in addressing the challenges faced by OIs.

Zikirullahi however, acknowledged and appreciated the current government’s generous response to CHRICED’s initiatives and the challenges faced by the original inhabitants.

“In light of the diligent efforts undertaken by the project, several positive advancements have emerged that reflect a commitment to progress and inclusivity.

“Notably, for the first time in history, an Abuja native has been appointed as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“This landmark appointment is complemented by the appointment of an Ol youth as the Mandate Secretary for Area Councils and Chieftaincy Affairs.”

This, he said signalled a shift towards greater representation of the local populace in governance.

“Furthermore, another native has recently been appointed as the Mandate Secretary for Youth Development, highlighting the government’s recognition of the importance of youth engagement in shaping the future of the FCT.”

He said that these efforts were commendable and reflected a responsive government that was beginning to acknowledge the contributions and rights of the original inhabitants of Abuja.

In his goodwill message, the Emir of Karshi, Alhaji Ismaila Mohammed, appreciated CHRICED for the successful accomplishment of the projects on promoting the rights of the indigenous people of the FCT.

Mohammed while nothing some of the challenges faced by the natives, said they dated back to the creation of the FCT which had to do with the rights of the indigenous people to fair hearing.

“The challenges are both political, social and economic. We are hoping to have more area councils. Presently we have six. And given the size of the FCT, we should have more,” he said.

Mohammed, however, said that over the years, the people have been able to achieve those things they fought for.

Similarly, Mandate Secretary for the Area Councils, Mr Bitrus Garki, said that the indigenous people have being faced with various challenges.

“These include land grabbing, issues of resettlement and compensation and cultural rights as a result of the move of the federal capital from Lagos to Abuja.”

He, however, said that a lot of things they advocated for have been achieved in some level.

“Though it is important that while we are celebrating, we also recognise the need to do more.”

He said there was already the implementation of diverse initiatives and setting up of government’s structures that carter and “give that full status of FCT as being a state which is a very big thing that the indigenous people have being crying for.