By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
The indigenous communities of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have passed a vote of confidence in the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, citing his “dramatic and unprecedented” infrastructural and security strides, while also appealing for the elevation of traditional institutions within the capital.
The commendation and appeal were made by Comrade Simon Baba Yerima, the Madaiki of Kpaduma II community and Kpaduma Community General Secretary, while speaking with journalists on behalf of Abuja natives on Sunday.
In a speech that blended praise with pointed requests, Comrade Yerima expressed profound gratitude for the Minister’s hands-on approach to governance. “We have seen a very, very dramatic and unprecedented development of FCT entirely, in every facet you think of,” Yerima stated. “Not just the infrastructural development alone, we have seen the aspect of security has drastically reduced in FCT… we can say 99% so far.”
He highlighted the tangible impact on local settlements, a departure from past administrations. “We have seen the dividends of this democracy, where development has entered almost all our local settlements, interiors. This has not happened before,” he said.
Central to the community’s approval is the Minister’s handling of a decades-long grievance: the demand for integration over resettlement. Yerima recounted how previous governments had ignored their pleas, leading to numerous litigations. “But I tell you the truth, we have seen the light of the day by the present administration,” he declared.
He cited the specific example of Kpaduma, where the community identified a virgin land within their ancestral domain for relocation due to a road corridor project. “The Minister approved, the layout has been done. We have been given our allocation papers,” Yerima explained, noting this action had “strengthened our confidence and trust.” He quoted the Minister’s assuring words: “I will not despise you from your original settlement… We can’t go and be strangers in other land.”
Building on this goodwill, Comrade Yerima presented a key request: the upgrading of traditional institutions in the FCT. He recalled that the last such upgrade was under a military administration led by the late Lieutenant General Jeremiah Useni.
“I would like to passionately request… that the Minister should look into that traditional aspect,” Yerima urged. “The traditional institution is actually the foundation of every government and governance… strengthening [it] will go a long way in achieving our democratic dividends.” He expressed confidence that the Minister, whom he called a “chief himself,” would heed the call.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Area Council elections, Yerima issued a call for unity and purpose among indigenous political aspirants. “My call is that we need candidates that will represent the good people of FCT. It’s not about political party… let’s have representation, no matter on whichever political platform,” he advised, warning against “selfish interests or godfatherism.”
He concluded by reiterating the importance of empowering traditional rulers to bridge the gap between the government and grassroots. “Our traditional institutions before now are very, very weak in terms of funding or welfare… By taking this as a priority… will help the populace to participate and have that renewed hope agenda… at the grassroots.”
