Abuja: Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to issue Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) to the indigenous residents of the FCT living on their ancestral lands. Wike made this commitment during a thank-you visit to the people of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Wike emphasized that the initiative aims to provide the indigenous people with a sense of belonging in their ancestral lands. He acknowledged the pain associated with being displaced from one’s ancestral land and assured his commitment to making the issuance of the C of O a reality. “We must change the pattern of politics in Abuja,” he stated, emphasizing the need to recognize the presence and rights of indigenous communities.
During his visit, Wike expressed gratitude to the people of AMAC for electing candidates supportive of President Bola Tinubu during the February 21 FCT area council elections. He highlighted the importance of mutual relationships, stressing the necessity of reciprocity in political support and interaction.
Wike also affirmed his intention to maintain open communication with the communities, as directed by President Tinubu, to ensure governance is more connected to the people’s needs. He encouraged the residents to support politicians who genuinely understand and address their needs, as opposed to those who seek their support only for electoral gains.
The Minister urged the re-elected Chairman of AMAC, Mr. Christopher Maikalangu, to prioritize the happiness of the people and to remain accountable to them. “Anything your people want, our doors are open for you,” Wike assured, emphasizing the importance of not taking the people’s support for granted.
Traditional leaders in AMAC, led by the Sapeyi (Chief) of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi, expressed their gratitude for the development efforts in the FCT and called for further action on land allocations and the protection of indigenous settlements. In response, Maikalangu thanked Wike for his support and the trust placed in him by the people of AMAC, promising not to disappoint them.