The indigenous communities of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to elevate traditional rulers whose statuses have remained stagnant for decades.

Alongside this appeal, the indigenes passed a vote of confidence in the Minister, citing "dramatic and unprecedented" strides in infrastructure and security across the territory.

The appeal was made by Comrade Simon Baba Yerima, the Madaiki of Kpaduma II and General Secretary of the Kpaduma Community, during a press briefing on Sunday.

Comrade Yerima noted that the last significant upgrade of traditional institutions occurred under the military administration of the late Lieutenant General Jeremiah Useni.

"I passionately request that the Minister look into the traditional aspect," Yerima urged. "Traditional institutions are the foundation of governance. Strengthening them will go a long way in achieving democratic dividends."

He expressed confidence that the Minister, whom he described as a "chief himself," would heed the call.

Yerima also lauded the current administration's impact on the capital's infrastructure and safety.

"We have seen a very dramatic and unprecedented development of the FCT in every facet," Yerima stated. "Beyond infrastructure, security concerns have drastically reduced... we can say by 99% so far."