House of Representatives member Hon. Inombek Abiante has called for Nigerians to resist oppression in all its manifestations, irrespective of personal prejudices. He made this request on Monday during a meeting between the FCT Traditional Council and the House of Representatives Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters in Abuja.
His colleague Hon. Jonathan Gwefwi’s denunciation of the relocation of the FCT’s original residents under the pretext of resettlement served as the impetus for Abiante’s request. Gwefwi stressed that the residents of the FCT have nowhere else to call home and called the situation “painful.”
Abiante mentioned several resettlement initiatives that have not benefited the native population. He tasked traditional leaders with protecting their citizens against oppression, under the direction of HRH Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, Chairman of the FCT Traditional Council.
Citing the recent declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State as oppressive, the legislator also denounced the government’s treatment of the Niger Delta’s citizens. He underlined that being silent in the face of injustice would only make things worse.
Nigerians will soon become victims themselves if they do not speak out against injustice, Abiante said. He asked the people to take a stand against oppression, regardless of their origin or preconceptions.
Additionally, the congressman considered Nigeria’s history of crude oil exploration, which started as a private endeavor by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). He pointed out that many issues that the country still suffers today were brought on by the nationalization of petroleum as a national asset.
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Abiante’s remarks draw attention to the continuous hardships faced by the residents of the FCT and the Niger Delta. He stresses the significance of speaking out against oppression and injustice in his call to action.
The discussion between the FCT Traditional Council and the House of Representatives Committee highlights the necessity of communication and cooperation between traditional leaders and government organizations in order to tackle the issues confronting the country.
