Bomba Dauda
The South North Progressive Forum has called on the Federal Government to accord the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, all rights and privileges enjoyed by other states of the federation.
In an open appeal addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and copied to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, the group argued that the Supreme Court had already settled the constitutional debate over the status of the FCT.
According to the Forum, the Supreme Court’s verdict on Section 299 of the 1999 Constitution recognised the FCT as a state, and therefore it should benefit from the same constitutional privileges as other states in the country.
“Beyond the Supreme Court’s recognition, Abuja meets all the requirements outlined in Section 8 of the Constitution for state creation, including vast land mass, large population, and viability — even surpassing some existing states,” the statement signed by the Forum’s President, Comrade Onyekwulisi FBI, read in part.
The group lamented that despite this recognition, the FCT currently has only one senatorial district and two House of Representatives seats, far below the minimum three senatorial districts and six House seats guaranteed to every state.
They urged the Federal Government and National Assembly to:
- Allow the FCT to elect a governor like other states.
- Create two additional senatorial districts and at least four more House of Representatives seats for Abuja to ensure fair representation.
- Increase the FCT’s quota in federal appointments, employment, and resource allocation in line with the Federal Character principle.
While commending President Tinubu for granting the FCT an independent Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Forum also lauded the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, describing him as “Mr Project” for his developmental strides.
The group expressed confidence that the “Renewed Hope” administration would heed their call and address the issue during the ongoing constitutional review process.
