Stakeholders and residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have rejected the nomination of Mr. Solomon Adodo from Benue State as the FCT representative on the board of the newly established North Central Development Commission (NCDC), describing the appointment as a misrepresentation of their interests.
At a press conference on Friday, Elder Danjuma Tanko Dara, a respected leader of the FCT Senior Citizens Forum, voiced the collective displeasure of indigenous communities and stakeholders, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the nomination in favor of a qualified indigene of the territory.
“The appointment of an outsider not only overlooks the abundance of competent individuals within the FCT but also undermines our right to fair representation,” Dara said. “We are deeply concerned about the precedent this sets for inclusivity and equity in governance.”
Adodo’s nomination has stirred widespread controversy, with critics questioning his connection to the FCT and his ability to address the capital’s distinct challenges.
“We cannot understand how someone with no roots in the FCT can effectively advocate for critical issues like housing, infrastructure development, and social services that directly impact our people,” Dara added.
He stressed that the FCT, being Nigeria’s capital and a hub of national governance, requires representatives who are not only technically capable but also deeply familiar with the cultural and social realities of its diverse communities.
“This is not just another constituency. The FCT represents the soul of the nation diverse, dynamic, and central to our collective identity,” he said. “To impose a representative from outside, who lacks historical or emotional ties to our people, is unacceptable.”
Residents have long lamented what they describe as a pattern of marginalization in federal appointments and policymaking. Dara argued that meaningful representation must involve inclusive consultation with key stakeholders before such decisions are finalized.
“It is imperative that the President engages with those who live and breathe the FCT experience,” he said. “Only then can appointments reflect the true needs and aspirations of our people.”
He emphasized that several competent individuals from within the FCT, with proven track records of public service and community engagement, are more suitable for the role.
“We are not asking for favors we are demanding fairness. Our communities are full of individuals who have dedicated their lives to understanding and addressing the unique challenges of the FCT. They deserve a chance to serve,” Dara insisted.
Calling for a more transparent and participatory selection process, he warned against politicizing sensitive appointments that directly affect local populations.
“Such critical roles should not be dictated by party loyalty or regional bargaining. They require deep consultation, careful assessment, and above all, respect for the people who will be most affected by their outcomes,” he said.
Dara concluded with a firm appeal to President Tinubu to withdraw Adodo’s nomination and prioritize a candidate with strong ties to the FCT and its communities.
“Our message is clear we seek a representative who truly understands our language, our history, and our struggle. This is about justice, identity, and the right to self-representation,” he stated.
The call comes amid growing concern over infrastructure decay, housing shortages, and increasing marginalization of FCT natives, with residents insisting that credible representation is key to addressing these issues.
