Potential Lawsuit Looms as President Tinubu Faces Pressure to Include FCT Indigene in Ministerial List
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria is facing pressure to include an indigene from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in his list of ministerial nominees, with a potential lawsuit looming if their inclusion is overlooked. The human rights lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has threatened legal action if the FCT is denied a ministerial slot. He argues that it would be unjust to deprive the four million FCT indigenes of representation.
Olajengbesi asserts that President Tinubu must comply with a January 2018 Appeal Court ruling, which states that indigenous people of the FCT are entitled to ministerial slots according to the provisions of the constitution. The court emphasized that the failure to appoint an FCT indigene as a minister violates their constitutional rights.
The House of Representatives has also called on President Tinubu to appoint an FCT indigene as a minister, following the adoption of a motion in support of this request.
According to Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution, the President must nominate individuals for ministerial positions within sixty days of taking office. Olajengbesi stressed that it is vital for the APC-led administration to adhere to the rule of law and include an FCT indigene in the list. Further emphasizing the importance of fair representation, he cited the principle of federal character, which aims to promote national unity and give all citizens a sense of belonging.
The lawyer criticized the hypocrisy of the APC government, noting that the FCT is considered a state when it serves the party’s interests during presidential elections. However, despite this classification, no FCT indigene has been appointed FCT minister since the country’s return to democracy in 1999.
It remains to be seen whether President Tinubu will heed these calls for inclusivity and comply with the court ruling. Failure to do so may lead to a legal battle, further escalating the issue. The FCT indigenes, along with their representatives, are determined to ensure that the rights of the FCT’s population are respected and upheld.
As the deadline for submitting the list of ministerial nominees approaches, Nigerian citizens will be watching closely to see if their demands for equitable representation are met. The outcome will not only impact the FCT but will also serve as a test for the administration’s commitment to inclusivity and upholding the constitution.
In the face of mounting pressure and potential legal action, President Tinubu’s decision regarding the inclusion of an FCT indigene in the ministerial list will have far-reaching consequences and will determine whether justice is served for the people of the Federal Capital Territory.
