Abuja indigenes to FG: Governorship, state assembly seats should be created for FCT

Bitrus Lawrence, the chairperson of the indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says governorship and state assembly positions should be created in Abuja.

In a statement on Sunday, Lawrence said the original inhabitants of the FCT have been denied their rights to participate in governorship and state house of assembly elections.

Governorship and state house of assembly elections were conducted across the country over the weekend.

He said the FCT should also have an assembly fully dedicated to the area.

“This press release was given consideration for a number of reasons which we consider very necessary so as to draw the minister of the Federal Capital Territory along with the president and commander-in-chief of Nigeria’s attention to the disenfranchisement of the entire residents of the Federal Capital Territory today,” the statement reads.

“This is indeed so for the indigenous peoples of the federal capital who can cast their votes for only the president and federal legislatures. The effects and impact of the discriminatory policy and the deprivation of right of franchise can only better be imagined.

“This is indeed so given the incredible sacrifices towards ensuring that the Federal Capital Territory has become a reality even though at their own peril.”