As the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) marks the 50th anniversary of its creation, a coalition of indigenous groups has called on the federal government and the FCT Administration to redress decades of injustice, human rights violations and systemic marginalisation faced by the original inhabitants of Abuja.
The call was made during a press briefing on Saturday by the coordinator of the FCT Senior Citizens Forum, Elder Danjuma Tanko Dara, who spoke on behalf of Abuja’s indigenous communities.
The event coincided with reflections on the historical significance of 3rd February, 1976, when then head of state, General Murtala Mohammed, announced the relocation of Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja, a move intended to foster national unity, progress and accessibility.
Fifty years on, Abuja stands as a vibrant symbol of Nigeria’s political and administrative life; however, Dara emphasised that this milestone is shadowed by a complex legacy for those who first called this land home.
“Fifty years ago, a new national capital, envisioned as a symbol of unity for all Nigerians, was born on our land. Today, Abuja stands as a vibrant, bustling symbol of Nigeria’s political and administrative life.
“The creation of Abuja brought rapid urbanisation, but it also brought major hardship for us. Our people have faced relentless marginalisation, displacement from our ancestral lands spanning 8,000 square kilometres and continuous human rights violations, including forced evictions and near-zero political representation.
“These injustices have left deep scars on our communities that called this land home long before the capital’s establishment,” Dara said.
Dara said the 50th anniversary is not only a moment for celebration but also an urgent call to action for the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike.
“We are calling on President Tinubu and Barr. Nyesom Wike is to be the architect of a new, inclusive chapter. They must introduce policies that carry us along in all aspects of governance.
“We demand the opportunity to benefit from governance, just like citizens in every other state of Nigeria. It is time to carry the indigenous people along in all aspects of governance and ensure we benefit from the development of our land.
“This forum is demanding that the authorities ensure fair compensation and dignified resettlement for those displaced by development projects, protect the cultural heritage and land rights of the original inhabitants and promote inclusive governance that guarantees indigenous communities a voice in decisions affecting their lives and futures, and uphold human rights and prevent further violations in the name of progress,” he said.
Dara stressed the need for constitutional and administrative reforms that grant the FCT indigenous population equitable representation and access to political offices, economic opportunities, and social amenities.
“As Abuja turns 50, the message from us, the original inhabitants, is clear: that the promise of a unifying capital must include justice and prosperity for all who reside within it, especially those whose ancestry is rooted in its soil,” he said.
