Natives and residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have vehemently opposed the appointment of Chief Edward Onoja, former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, as the FCT Commissioner for the Public Complaints Commission, calling for an immediate reversal.
Danjuma Tanko Dara, a prominent stakeholder and elder statesman in the FCT, expressed this collective disapproval during a press briefing. He described the appointment as an abuse of constitutional rights and federal character, harmful to the original inhabitants and residents of Abuja. “In a time when the country is already under significant tension and facing the threat of nationwide protests, it is crucial not to provoke the residents and natives of the FCT,” Dara warned.
Dara emphasized the importance of self-defense, stating, “We cannot fold our arms as indigenous people of Abuja communities and be overrun. The few appointments that indigenous people of the FCT can boast of, based on the constitution, are now being taken away by the same government.”
He highlighted that appointing someone from Kogi State, who has never lived in the FCT or contributed to its development, to such a sensitive position is unacceptable.
Dara called on President Bola Tinubu to address this perceived injustice swiftly. “The government should immediately reverse the appointment and appoint an indigene or a resident of the FCT to that position,” Dara insisted.
He added that even if the appointee is not an indigene, any long-term resident who understands the struggles and plights of the people would be acceptable.
Dara concluded by cautioning the government against disrespecting the rule of law and warned of potential anarchy if such actions continue. “Abuja symbolizes unity, and it can also lead to the opposite, which is disunity. If the government cannot respect the rule of law, then it is inviting anarchy. They should not force a sleeping dog to rise and bite,” he said.
(Independent)