FCT natives condemn resettlement policy, seek better alternatives

Indigenous people of Abuja have expressed reservations with the age-long method of resettlement, which they considered inhumane and breach rights of the people and the rule of law.

They said the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) should instead, adopt urban renewal and reintegraion in a manner that offer acceptance and comfort, as well being equitable for the people.

The arguments were canvassed during a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Area Councils and Ancillary Matters held at the National Assembly on Wednesday.

In his presentation the Chief (Sepeyi) of Garki, Alh. Usman Nga Kupi who represented the Ona of Abaji at the event said FCT indigenous people have made several sacrifices as they have to sacrificed their land and other tangible property for the whole country.

Also, representatives of Kpaduma Community, Hon Bala Iya lamented that all the indigenous people of FCT have been seeking for justice over historical injustice and discriminatory practices against them. “The resettlement/relocation should be a reasonable size of land which should be given with relevant title documents to the affected individuals, and enough money to develop any building as will be approved by the Development Control,” he stressed.

A group known as the Original Inhabitant Development Association of Abuja in its presentation advocated for a constitutional amendment to ensure equal right to Abuja Indigenous people, as its President, Pastor Dalandi Jeji, represented by Giwa Bamaiyi said establishment of a national commision for indigenous people might address most of their flights.

Declaring the hearing open, Speaker of the House, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, who was represented by Hon. Joe Oke Onuakalusi said it was “a very important intervention aimed at promoting and deepening the unity and brotherhood enshrined in our constitution, and captured in the common voice expressed in the National Anthem of Nigeria,” adding that the issue of integration of indigenous people of the FCT has been a debate that spanned various administrations in Nigeria.

Also in his address, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Fredrick Agbedi said “The FCT as we all know, stands as our symbol of unity and the embodiment of our national ideals. It is a city built not for any one group, but for all Nigerians regardless of ethnic origin, religious affiliation, or regional background,” adding however that “with its growth and diversity come multifaceted challenges.”