Pro-democracy and civil rights advocacy institution- Human Rights Writers Association Of Nigeria (HURIWA), has applauded the wisdom exercised by President Bola Tinubu in appointing former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike as minister of FCT.
HURIWA said the decision of the president not to accede to this propaganda to appoint the ‘Abuja indigene’ as FCT minister has saved, conserved and preserved the heritage of Abuja as the city of national unity devoid of ethnic or religious sentiments.
This was made known through a statement by the national co-ordinator of the group, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko.
HURIWA cited historical records to state emphatically that according to the findings and recommendations of the Justice Aguda panel report on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), it emphasized the principle that Abuja should be a city for all residents, irrespective of their backgrounds, socioeconomic status, or cultural affiliations.
The report highlighted the importance of inclusivity and ensuring equal access to opportunities, amenities and services for everyone residing in the FCT.
The vision of Abuja as a city for all aims to foster a sense of community, promote social cohesion and uphold the principles of justice and fairness in urban planning and development.
According to other recommendations in the Aguda Panel report and the government policy in the enacted Decree no.6 of 1976, “the original inhabitants in the entire 8,000 square km area, covering the new FCT are to be evacuated from the site to their parent states.
Obviously, this was meant to actualize the acquisition of virgin land, at the same time avoid rendering any community “stateless”.
HURIWA charged Wike a lawyer, to ensure that his actions as the official care taker of the FCT with President Tinubu as Landlord, are guided by the principle of Rule of law, accountability transparency, open government.
