Indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the auspices of FCT Indigenes Retired Senior Paramilitary Union, have expressed their gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for appointing a native to the position of FCT Head of Civil Service.
One of the leaders of the union, Elder Danjuma Tanko Dara, on behalf of the natives, made this known during a press briefing following a gathering of indigenous residents and retired senior paramilitary personnel.
The group praised Tinubu and Wike for heeding their call to appoint locals to key positions within the FCT, emphasising the importance of representation.
They also recognised Senator Ireti Kingibe and House of Representatives member Hon. Obika Chinedu for their commitment to ensuring fairness and responsiveness to the needs of FCT residents, a stark contrast to previous administrations that often overlooked public concerns.
Dara expressed confidence that the current administration is dedicated to prioritizing the interests of natives in political appointments.
"We commend the efforts of the honourable FCT minister of state, Maryam Mahmoud, the cabinet members of the Tinubu/Shettima government, and the chairpersons of the six area councils for their substantial contributions to advancing progress and development in the FCT," he stated.
The natives also lauded the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, the Women Affairs Secretariat, and the FCT Youth Development Secretariat, citing these initiatives as a boost to public confidence in the government.
Dara said, "Within just a year, the FCT has seen transformative projects that enhance its appearance, and we wholeheartedly support the President and the minister for their rapid actions to promote Abuja's growth and public welfare."
Additionally, the indigenes urged President Tinubu to implement the court ruling recognising the FCT as a state, believing it would empower residents to elect their leaders in future democratic processes. "As a committed democrat and leader of progressives, I trust that Tinubu will not neglect the interests of FCT natives," Dara remarked.
In light of ongoing security challenges, Dara commended the minister for addressing these issues by instructing area council chairmen to form surveillance teams to monitor illegal activities in their regions.
He noted that the Police and Civil Defence Corps also actively maintain security within the FCT.
Dara called for community support for the newly appointed FCT head of Civil Service, Mrs Grace Adailo, urging her to apply her expertise and experience to meet the expectations of FCT residents.
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He advised her to maintain a clear division between her political duties and professional responsibilities, emphasising the high level of trust in her role.
Furthermore, Dara encouraged President Tinubu and Minister Wike to seek out qualified indigenous professionals across various fields, like medical, teaching, law, military and the paramilitary sectors, to foster inclusive governance in the FCT.
"We are also calling on Mr President and the FCT minister not to rely only on politicians to recommend competent hands in the FCT for inclusive governance.
"We have qualified indigenous professionals in various fields like medical, law, teaching, military and paramilitary that are actively in service and retired as well, whose brain is being drained for lack of inclusiveness in their land, which is not the case with other states," he said.
He warned against relying solely on politicians, highlighting the wealth of expertise among natives that remains untapped due to a lack of inclusiveness.
