•Edward Onoja
Natives and residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have strongly condemned 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 major stakeholder and elder statesman in the FCT, voiced this collective disapproval during a press briefing.
He described the appointment as an abuse of constitutional rights and federal character, detrimental to the original inhabitants and residents of Abuja, reports Saturday Independent.
“At a time when the country is already facing significant tension and the threat of nationwide protests, it is crucial not to provoke the residents and natives of the FCT,” Dara warned.
Dara emphasised the importance of self-defense, stating, “We cannot fold our arms as indigenous people of Abuja communities and be overrun. The little appointment that indigenous people of the FCT can boast of, based on the constitution, is now being taken away by the same government.”
He highlighted that bringing someone from Kogi State, who has never stayed in the FCT or contributed to its development, to occupy such a sensitive position is unacceptable.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to correct this perceived injustice swiftly. “The government should immediately reverse the appointment and appoint an indigene or a resident of the FCT to take over 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 calling for anarchy. They should not force a sleeping dog to rise and bite,” he said.
