By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
The lawmaker representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon Joshua Chinedu Obika has reiterated his support for a bill to establish the FCT House of Assembly, aimed at enhancing self-governance and addressing local issues affecting the territory’s inhabitants. According to a press statement from his Media Group, the lawmaker emphasized the need for collaboration and unity among FCT stakeholders, including Senators, House of Representatives members, Area Council Chairmen, Traditional Rulers, and Mandate Secretaries.
He however criticized the exclusion of FCT original inhabitants from the leadership appointment of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC). In a press statement from Obika Media Group recently, Obika faulted the decision, advocating for equitable inclusion and representation.
FCT Stakeholders Assembly members, who paid Obika a visit, commended his advocacy for indigenous rights and his plan to organize a town hall meeting for FCT’s original inhabitants. The stakeholders include Hon. Ezekiel Dalhatu, Hon. Musa Dikko, Hon. Engr. Mark Morris, Mrs. Rifkatu Chidawa, Mr. Sunday Azaki, and Pastor Danladi Jeji.
Obika criticized the six Area Council Chairmen for their lack of cooperation, urging them to work together to advance development and representation for FCT residents. He highlighted the significance of his push for an FCT Assembly, given the territory’s lack of state-level governance structures.
As a vocal advocate for FCT’s indigenous population, Obika has positioned himself to address systemic inequities and governance gaps through legislative action and stakeholder unity. The focus on original inhabitants highlights ongoing debates about indigenous rights and political marginalization in Nigeria’s capital.
