FCT natives urged to take control of their destiny

The leader of the Coalition of Original Inhabitants of Abuja, Comrade Ezikeil Musa Dalhatu, has urged natives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to unite and take control of their destiny. He believes this is necessary to end the continued marginalization and “enslavement” of the indigenous people. Speaking at the 2025 International Day for World […]

The leader of the Coalition of Original Inhabitants of Abuja, Comrade Ezikeil Musa Dalhatu, has urged natives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to unite and take control of their destiny.

He believes this is necessary to end the continued marginalization and “enslavement” of the indigenous people.

Speaking at the 2025 International Day for World Indigenous Celebration, Dalhatu called for unity among the FCT tribes: Gbagyi, Ganagana, Koro, Gbari, Gwandara, Bassa, Ammuamwa, and Egbira.

He stated that this unity is essential for the emancipation of the FCT’s indigenous people.

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Dalhatu expressed disappointment that many key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, council chairmen, and elected representatives, have remained silent in the struggle for FCT natives’ rights, which began with the return to democracy in 1999.

“It’s unfortunate that since the struggle for the emancipation of the indigenous people of the FCT began, our elected political leaders, council chairmen, and traditional rulers are nowhere to be found.

“We cannot continue like this. It is time for us to take our destiny into our own hands,” he advocated.

He urged the people to mobilize at the grassroots level and elect competent and committed leaders.

Dalhatu also emphasized the importance of participating in all political parties, especially with the upcoming FCT area council elections.

Dalhatu, a former FCT Commissioner for the Public Complaints Commission, also criticized the demolition of ancestral homes without compensation or alternative housing for the displaced.

He specifically mentioned that the Nigerian Navy has given residents of Iddo-Sarki a two-week notice to vacate their homes and that natives in Aleita and Galadimawa are also facing demolition threats.

He also condemned National Assembly members for referring to the homes of indigenous people as “shanties.”

Dalhatu called on the government to address the plight of the FCT’s indigenous people.