Hon. Inombek Abiante, a member of the House of Representatives, has advised Nigerians to resist all forms of persecution, regardless of bias. He made the call on Monday during a meeting in Abuja of the House of Representatives Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters and the FCT Traditional Council.
Abiante’s call was inspired by his colleague, Hon. Jonathan Gwefwi, who condemned the relocation of the FCT’s original residents in the guise of resettlement. Gwefwi called the situation as “painful” and highlighted that the FCT’s residents have no other place to call home.
Abiante recalls several resettlement projects that did not benefit indigenous peoples. He charged traditional rulers, led by HRH Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, Chairman of the FCT Traditional Council, with defending their subjects from oppression.
The senator also condemned the government’s handling of the Niger Delta people, describing the recent declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State as repressive. He highlighted that remaining silent in the face of injustice would only increase misery.
Abiante cautioned that if Nigerians do not stand up against injustice, they will become victims themselves. He asked people to take a stand against oppression, regardless of their background or beliefs.
The congressman also discussed the history of crude oil exploration in Nigeria, which began as a private venture by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). He stated that the nationalization of petroleum as a national asset created numerous challenges that the country is still dealing with today.
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Abiante’s remarks underscore the continuous suffering of people in the FCT and the Niger Delta. His call to action highlights the significance of speaking out against injustice and persecution.
The discussion between the House of Representatives Committee and the FCT Traditional Council highlights the need of collaboration and dialogue among government agencies and traditional leaders in addressing the nation’s concerns.
