Hon. Inombek Abiante, a member of the House of Representatives, has urged Nigerians to speak out against all forms of persecution, regardless of their beliefs. He made the appeal during a meeting of the House of Representatives Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters and the FCT Traditional Council in Abuja on Monday.
Abiante’s call was spurred by his colleague, Hon. Jonathan Gwefwi, who condemned the removal of original FCT residents in the name of resettlement. Gwefwi called the situation as “painful” and highlighted that the FCT’s inhabitants have no other place to call home.
Abiante recalls several resettlement projects that did not benefit indigenous people. He charged traditional rulers, led by HRH Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, Chairman of the FCT Traditional Council, to protect their subjects against oppression.
The senator also attacked the government’s treatment of Niger Delta residents, describing the recent State of Emergency in Rivers State as repressive. He highlighted that remaining silent in the face of injustice would result in additional suffering.
Abiante cautioned that if Nigerians do not stand up against injustice, they will eventually become victims themselves. He asked everyone, regardless of origin or bias, to speak out against oppression.
The congressman also discussed the history of crude oil exploration in Nigeria, which began as a private venture by the Shell Petroleum Development Company. He stated that nationalizing petroleum as a national asset created numerous challenges that the country is still dealing with today.
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Abiante’s remarks emphasize the continuous difficulties of the people of the FCT and the Niger Delta. His call to action underscores the value of speaking out against injustice and oppression.
The House of Representatives Committee’s meeting with the FCT Traditional Council highlights the need of collaboration and conversation between government agencies and traditional leaders in addressing the nation’s concerns.
