Stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have rejected President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Solomon Adodo from Benue State as the FCT representative on the board of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), calling it a clear disregard for the indigenous people of the capital.
At a press conference on Friday, Elder Danjuma Tanko Dara, leader of the FCT Senior Citizens Forum, voiced the frustrations of FCT natives, insisting that the appointment undermines the principle of fair representation and inclusivity.
“The nomination of an outsider ignores the competent pool of qualified individuals within the FCT and raises serious concerns about the inclusiveness of governance,” Dara said.
He stressed that Adodo, being from outside the FCT, lacks the familiarity and firsthand understanding of the unique challenges faced by residents, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, housing, and social welfare.
“This is the nation’s capital and cannot be represented by someone with no historical or emotional connection to our people,” Dara said. “Our call is not political—it’s about ensuring true representation.”
According to him, the FCT deserves a voice that understands its complexities and can advocate effectively on behalf of its residents, especially the marginalized indigenous communities who have often been sidelined in national appointments.
He further urged President Tinubu to consult key stakeholders in the FCT before finalizing sensitive appointments, warning that overlooking local voices breeds distrust and resentment.
“There are many qualified sons and daughters of the FCT who understand our realities and have long worked to improve our communities. They should be the ones considered for such strategic roles,” Dara emphasized.
He concluded by calling on the President to revisit the nomination and ensure that the person chosen truly represents the aspirations of FCT residents.
“This isn’t just about a name—it’s about justice, equity, and giving our people a say in decisions that affect their lives,” he said.
