By Mercy Aikoye
Hon. Inombek Abiante, a member of the House of Representatives, has urged Nigerians to stand up against all forms of oppression, regardless of biases. He made this call on Monday during a meeting between the House of Representatives Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters and the FCT Traditional Council in Abuja.
Abiante’s call was prompted by his colleague, Hon. Jonathan Gwefwi’s, condemnation of the displacement of original inhabitants of the FCT in the name of resettlement. Gwefwi described the situation as “painful” and emphasized that the people of the FCT have no other home.
Abiante recalled multiple resettlement programs that have not favored the indigenes. He charged traditional rulers, led by Chairman of the FCT Traditional Council, HRH Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, to defend their subjects against oppression.
The lawmaker also criticized the government’s treatment of the people of the Niger Delta, citing the recent proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State as oppressive. He emphasized that silence in the face of injustice would only lead to more suffering.
Abiante warned that if Nigerians do not speak out against injustice, they will eventually become victims themselves. He urged the people to take a stand against oppression, regardless of their background or biases.
The lawmaker also reflected on the history of crude oil exploration in Nigeria, which began as a private initiative by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). He noted that the nationalization of petroleum as a national asset led to many problems that the nation still faces today.
Abiante’s comments highlight the ongoing struggles of the people of the FCT and the Niger Delta. His call to action emphasizes the importance of speaking out against injustice and oppression.
The meeting between the House of Representatives Committee and the FCT Traditional Council demonstrates the need for collaboration and dialogue between government agencies and traditional leaders to address the challenges facing the nation.
