It’ll be injustice for a non-indigene to be appointed FCT minister, says Olajengbesi

Pelumi Olajengbesi, an Abuja-based human rights lawyer, says it will amount to injustice for a non-indigene to be appointed as minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

Speaking at a media parley on social justice on Friday, Olajengbesi said the FCT should not be denied the benefits of a state.

He noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC), during the 2023 presidential election, argued that the FCT is a state, citing Section 132 (1) (b) and (2) (b), with emphasis on “two-thirds of all the states in the federation and the FCT”.

“For fairness, justice and equity, the APC-led government of President Bola Tinubu should not deny the FCT of a ministerial slot just as each of the 36 states get at least one ministerial slot,” he said.

“This is in line with Section 318 of the 1999 Constitution on federal character principle to promote national unity, foster national loyalty and give every citizen of Nigeria a sense of belonging.

“Also, Section 14 (3 and 4) of the 1999 Constitution is clear that the composition of the government of the federation must be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity.

“The APC-led administration should give a sense of belonging to the aboriginal people of Abuja and give a ministerial slot to an indigene of the FCT, just as each of the 36 states produce indigenes as members of the federal executive Council.”

Meanwhile, during plenary on Thursday, the house of representatives asked President Bola Tinubu to appoint an indigene of the FCT as minister.

The lower legislative chamber passed the resolution following the adoption of a motion co-sponsored by Abdulrahman Ajiya and Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi.

In January 2018, the court of appeal in Abuja ruled that indigenous people of the FCT are entitled to ministerial slots as provided by the combined provisions of sections 147 (3), 299, 14 (3) & 42 of the 1999 constitution.

The court also declared that the refusal to appoint an indigene of FCT as minister constitutes a gross violation of the provisions of the constitution on fundamental human rights.