In a reaction to President Bola Tinubu’s recent nomination of Solomon Adodo from Benue State to represent the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the North Central Development Commission, natives of the territory have voiced their discontent, arguing that such a choice jeopardises the interests and representation of the FCT.
President Tinubu had on Thursday urged the Senate to consider and confirm his nominees for appointment as members of the board of development commissions for South West, North Central and South South.
During a press briefing held yesterday, Elder Danjuma Tanko Dara, a prominent leader of the FCT Senior Citizens Forum, stated the concerns of the residents and natives, urging the president to consider a more suitable candidate.
“The appointment of an outsider does not only disregard the rich pool of eligible personalities within the FCT but also raises questions about the inclusivity of our governance structure,” he said.
Adodo’s nomination has stirred controversy, with critics asserting that he lacks the deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by FCT residents.
“We do not see how someone from Benue can accurately represent the interests of the residents of this city, particularly when addressing pressing issues such as housing, infrastructure and social welfare,” he said.
Dara noted that the FCT was not merely a community that could be represented by anyone picked from outside.
“This is the nation’s capital, a melting pot of diverse cultures and a center of governance. It is, therefore, unacceptable to nominate someone without a genuine connection to the people or a clear comprehension of their needs.
“This is not about personal agendas, but about genuine representation for the people who reside here,” he said.