Stakeholders Urge Tinubu to Appoint Abuja Indigene FCT Minister

*Say ministerial nominee, Zephaniah Jisalo fits the bill

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Concerned stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday appealed to President Bola Tinubu to appoint an indigene Minister of the FCT.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja on behalf of the group, an Abuja-based real estate and property developer, Francis Bobai Matthew, called on Tinubu to ensure that an indigene of the FCT emerges the minister of the capital territory for the first time since the creation of the nation’s capital.

He said it would amount to injustice for a non-indigene to be appointed minister of FCT.
Speaking with newsmen in Abuja, Matthew said the FCT should not be denied the benefits of producing the next FCT minister.

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.

“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.
“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”, he said.

He recalled that in January 2018, the court of appeal in Abuja, had ruled that indigenous people of the FCT were 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 gross violation of the provisions of the constitution on fundamental human rights.

“Zaphania , is a huge national asset and a blessing to our nation. If appointed as FCT minister, I know his ability and capacity, he will definitely deliver.
“He was elected Chairman Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in 2004 as a result of his excellence, he was re-elected in 2007. He served in that capacity in 2010”, he said.

He urged the President to give Zaphania, a chance to manage the ministry of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) given his strong leadership capital and innovative thinking abilities.