NAN-H-72
Decision
By Martins Odeh
Abuja, Jan. 18, 2018 (NAN) Some FCT indigenes have expressed delight over Court of Appeal’s
Jan. 15 judgment that entitled them to ministerial representation in the Federal Executive Council as provided by the 1999 Constitution.
A cross section of the indigenes commended the court’s decision in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.
They said the decision would now give them the opportunity to fully participate in governance.
Chief Amos Yawa, a Community Leader in Nyanya, said the decision of the court was a respite, adding that the conversion of their land to federal capital should be a blessing toward the development of the territory.
The community leader, who expressed delight over the decision, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to implement the court decision without delay.
He pointed out that “my people and I are happy; in fact, we had a mini cultural dance when the news got to us.
“We are peace-loving people and we want to continue to host the rest of Nigerians but this should happen with sustained respect for co-existence.”
Elder John Madaki, another indigene, said the court of appeal had done the right thing eventually, saying the decision must have come due to the president’s goodwill.
Madaki said Abuja indigenes had for several years fought for such court decision, adding that the people were grateful to the present regime for the gesture.
On his part, Alhaji Mando Jikwe, said the decision would now encourage government to begin to appoint an Abuja indigene as FCT Minister, adding that our freedom has gradually come and our children can dream dreams to attain ministerial positions.”
Mr Galgo Mustapha, another indigene, said the decision was a good omen, adding that government should abide by the decision of the court and consider the people for other political positions.
The court in a unanimous decision on Jan. 15, 2018, declared Abuja indigenes as entitled to ministerial position as provided by the combined provisions of Sec. 147(3), 299, 14(3) & 42 of 1999 Constitution.
The court also declared that the persistent denial and refusal of past presidents and current president to so appoint an Indigene of FCT Abuja as minister tantamount to gross violation of the Constitution.
The court also held that such action violated the constitutional rights and fundamental right, as well as their rights against discrimination.
The court, therefore, directed the President to immediately make the said appointment.
The cost of N100,000 was awarded against the President and Attorney-General of the Federation, being first and second respondents. (NAN)
OMO/HA
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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu