By Tgnews
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has reaffirmed its solidarity with the indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in their ongoing demand for their constitutional and universal human rights. The MBF commended the non-violent approach adopted by the Original Inhabitants Development Association (OIDA) of the FCT, (led by Pastor Danladi Jeji) in advocating for their cause. The MBF serves as the umbrella socio-cultural body representing the ethnic nationalities of the Middle Belt, spanning 14 northern states of Nigeria, including the FCT.
The FCT represents one of the biggest concessions made by the Middle Belt to the Nigerian state, with its original inhabitants ceding 8,000 square kilometers of their ancestral land to serve as the nation’s capital and a symbol of national unity. This decision was made under military rule and formalized through Decree 6 of 1976, during the tenure of General Murtala Mohammed. It was later incorporated into the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
However, the meeting expressed deep concern over the misinterpretation and misapplication of this historic act of patriotism, which has led to the systematic marginalization of the original inhabitants of the FCT. Instead of being recognized as contributors to national unity, the original inhabitants of the FCT have been denied their citizenship rights, with government policies and actions making it appear as though they have forfeited their rights.
The forum noted that the original inhabitants of the FCT have been subjected to various forms of marginalization, including the loss of their traditional homes, lands, and important historical and cultural landmarks to the Nigerian state
The MBF views this as a dangerous development that must be urgently addressed through constitutional amendments to ensure a stable, peaceful, secure, and progressive FCT, both now and in the future. The forum noted that the original inhabitants of the FCT have been subjected to various forms of marginalization, including the loss of their traditional homes, lands, and important historical and cultural landmarks to the Nigerian state without adequate compensation or recognition.
Pastor Danladi Jeji, the leader of OIDA, briefed the MBF’s National Working Committee (NWC) on the plight of the original inhabitants of the FCT. He revealed that 858 communities, predominantly belonging to the Gbagyi, Koro, Gede, Gwandara, Bassa, and Ganagana ethnic groups, have coexisted with their neighbors long before the 1914 amalgamation of Nigeria. He lamented that today, an estimated one million original inhabitants have lost their traditional homes, lands, and important historical and cultural landmarks to the Nigerian state without adequate compensation or recognition.
Jeji further stated that the Federal Capital City (FCC) was built after 55 villages were displaced, yet not a single plot of land has been allocated to any original inhabitant of the FCC. This has led to a situation where the original inhabitants are forced to live in slums and abandoned villages in abject poverty, while other Nigerians and even foreigners have acquired large swaths of FCT land for private farms, housing estates, and businesses.
They demand a nation that is just and fair to all citizens, regardless of their place of birth
The MBF noted that the original inhabitants of the FCT remain committed to a united Nigeria, but they demand a nation that is just and fair to all citizens, regardless of their place of birth. The group calls on Nigerians and the international community to empathize with their plight and pressure both the Presidency and the National Assembly to review their status in the Nigerian Constitution.
The MBF makes several demands, including:
- End the exploitation of FCT lands: It is unjust that while other Nigerians and even foreigners have acquired large swaths of FCT land for private farms, housing estates, and businesses, the original inhabitants live in slums and abandoned villages in abject poverty.
- Resettlement and Compensation: All displaced original inhabitants should be properly resettled, and a comprehensive evaluation of their lands should be conducted to ensure fair compensation.
- Statehood for the FCT: Just as Lagos was both a state and Nigeriaโs former capital, the FCT should also be considered for statehood among the proposed new states.
- Establishment of a House of Assembly: If granted statehood, the FCT should have its own House of Assembly to legislate based on its unique needs.
- Inclusion in Federal Allocations: The FCT Area Councils are currently excluded from Nigeriaโs 774 recognized Local Government Areas, thereby denying them access to monthly federal allocations.
The MBF believes that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is in the best position to address this long-standing injustice, given his history of fighting for democratic governance during military rule. The forum calls on the President to take immediate action to address the plight of the original inhabitants of the FCT and ensure that their rights are protected and recognized.
In conclusion, the MBF reaffirms its commitment to the cause of the original inhabitants of the FCT and demands that the Nigerian government takes immediate action to address their plight. The forum believes that justice and fairness must be served, and the rights of the original inhabitants must be recognized.
