· Kick against “powerful” minister status
By Sarah NEGEDU
Natives of the Federal Capital Territory are clamouring for the constitution of a democratic system of governance in the territory, to give them a sense of belonging.
The natives also queried the powers of the FCT minister to approve and allocate funds for FCT citizens without legislative scrutiny as is obtained in states, in accordance with the 1999 constitution.
In a statement released by a community leader and stakeholder, Danjuma Dara, the indigenes insisted that the FCT is not a traditional state, but a federally administered territory, which limits the minister’s administrative powers.
They, therefore, argued that all budgetary decisions and expenditures made by both current and previous FCT administrations not only violate the constitution, but also undermine democratic governance principles.
Dara, also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and all relevant bodies to kick start the process that will allow for elections to fill all elective offices within the FCT as is done across the states.
He stressed that only through proper democratic channels can the interests and welfare of Abuja residents be adequately addressed.
“We will soon issue an ultimatum to INEC and those who oppose democratic governance as we seek compliance with the rule of law in the FCT.
“The time has come for citizens’ voices to be recognized through a legitimate electoral process since the actions of the current reality does not reflect the people’s will,” he stated.
The growing demand for elections and adherence to constitutional governance reflects increasing frustration among Abuja residents over their lack if inclusion in decision making process in a democratic government.
It will be recalled that the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, in its ruling in the 2023 election recognized the FCT as one of the states of the Federation and not just an administration territory and an appendage of the president’s office.
Over the years residents of the territory have canvassed a constitutional amendment for the territory to have an elected mayor, who will administer the FCT as the chief executive.
In 2021, a constitutional amendment was presented before the National Assembly to change the administrative structure of the territory to be more reflective of the will of its indigenes and residents.
The bill, sponsored by Dachung Bagos was to remove the president as the chief executive officer of the FCT and replace him with an elected mayor.
Bagos’ bill was meant to delete sections 301 (a and c) and 302 and introduce a new part II into the Constitution so that the FCT can have an elective mayoralty seat.
However, the bill failed to achieve concurrence by both chambers of the National Assembly, specifically the Senate.
