Former Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, has urged Abuja Original Inhabitants (OIs) and their partner organisations to drop the demand for mayoral status in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Candido gave the warning on Friday at the Media Colloquium organised by the Coalition of FCT Indigenous Associations at the University of Abuja, part of activities marking the United Nations International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
He argued that a mayoral position would reduce Abuja to the status of a town or local government council.
“A mayor is essentially a local government chairman, a position I held for six years,” he said. “We should be demanding a governor for Abuja, not a mayor. That is the only way to actualise genuine recognition of Abuja as a state.”
Candido, who was a panelist at the event, maintained that the challenges facing Abuja’s natives are constitutional and must be addressed through the National Assembly, not by the FCT Minister or the President.
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“No minister or president can solve our problems. Our issues are constitutional. Unfortunately, some traditional rulers are also not helping matters,” he added.
CHRICED’s Programmes Manager, Mr. Victor Emejuiwe, called for unity among OIs, stressing the need to identify and present their demands with one voice.
He also recommended establishing a cultural monument in the FCT to preserve indigenous heritage, similar to initiatives in Lagos and other major cities.
Another panelist, Mrs. Rifkatu Chidawa, supported the call for a governor and highlighted the role of education in promoting indigenous culture.
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Some participants also proposed a dedicated admission quota for Abuja OIs at the University of Abuja. In response, Prof. Matthew Dada of the university’s Education Department assured that qualified applicants from the host community would be admitted into their chosen courses.
The event featured colourful cultural displays, traditional attire showcases, and music performances by local artistes, including hip-hop rendered in indigenous dialects.