FCT indigenes disenfranchised, neglected – Esther Audu

A former Chairperson, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Chief (Mrs) Esther John Audu, told newsmen in Abuja that she is aspiring for the Senate to bring to the forefront, the indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Nigerian ambassador to The Gambia also listed reasons why she has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

What is your interest to contest for the FCT Senate?

Abuja is a mini Nigeria. People were living here before it became Federal Capital. They were to be moved out for FCT to be established. Some were moved, some left behind. Those left behind were to be gradually moved. Up to today, those moved have not been compensated. Those left were not relocated. They have been affected as Federal Government development activities meet them.

A former FCT Minister, Ibrahim Bunu put in motion to move the people of Jabi I and II and Mabushi to Jibi along the Kubwa Expressway. Jibi was chosen and prototype structures selected. The place has been turned into a Police village. My people have been disorganized, families cannot be together. Nigeria has ended up disorganising innocent people of Abuja.

I am going to the Senate to represent this people so they will have a voice to speak for them, sponsor bills on their behalf and lobby for these bills to be passed. I have been elected twice within the territory, as AMAC chairperson and to the House of Representatives under then defunct UNCP in the Abacha transition. My people know my capability. I have been tested. They know I will stand for them. I have always stood for them.

Why did you say FCT indigenes are disenfranchised?

I want to see FCT residents vote for their own governor, we need more local governments, senatorial and House of Representatives seats. There are about 3.2 million people in the FCT and still with one senator.  We have rights to have up to ten local governments, so our children will have opportunities for jobs. There are many states that are not up to two million, but they have three senators and more than five members in the House of Representatives. We have right to expansion to take care of the population. I am coming out to make sure we have more senators and at least five members in the house. Lagos operated as federal capital for many years as a state with a governor and everything and we didn’t have problem in the country. Same thing we are asking for Abuja. The people are trapped.

What then is your stance on restructuring of the country?

There has to be fairness and justice. We need to take care of the person that have been patient and peaceful, but doesn’t mean they should be trampled upon or taken as second class citizens in their own country for allowing their own resource control to be taken over.

If there is anyone that needs restructuring, it is the FCT indigenes. They should have opportunities of participation in elections when others are voting. They should have right to expansion like others.