By Samuel Adeola
Leader of the Coalition of Original Inhabitants of Abuja, Comrade Ezikeil Musa Dalhatu, has called on natives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to unite in order to end what he described as decades of marginalization and neglect.
Speaking at the 2025 International Day for World Indigenous Celebration, Dalhatu stressed that solidarity among the Gbagyi, Ganagana, Koro, Gbari, Gwandara, Bassa, Ammuamwa, and Egbira peoples is crucial to reclaiming their rights and shaping their future.
He lamented that since the return to democracy in 1999, traditional rulers, council chairmen, and elected representatives have largely remained silent in the struggle for indigenous rights.
“It’s unfortunate that since the struggle for the emancipation of the indigenous people of the FCT began, our political leaders and traditional rulers are nowhere to be found…
“We cannot continue like this. It is time for us to take our destiny into our own hands,” he said.
Dalhatu urged grassroots mobilization, the election of competent leaders, and active participation in all political parties ahead of the FCT area council polls.
The former FCT Commissioner for the Public Complaints Commission also condemned the demolition of ancestral homes without compensation, citing a two-week quit notice issued by the Nigerian Navy to residents of Iddo-Sarki, and threats to natives in Aleita and Galadimawa.
He faulted lawmakers for describing indigenous homes as “shanties” and called on the government to safeguard the rights and heritage of FCT natives.
