CHRICED has requested that Abuja be designated as Nigeria’s 37th state to enhance inclusion and address indigenous peoples’ challenges. The organization advocates for a return to a regional system of governance, emphasizing the advantages of decentralization, which would increase local accountability and reduce over-reliance on federal allocations. Executive Director Ibrahim Zukirullahi highlighted the political and economic hardships faced by Abuja’s original inhabitants, underscoring the need for constitutional amendments to support these changes.
The Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) has urged the National Assembly to recognize the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as the 37th state in Nigeria. They argue that this would signify inclusion for Abuja within the national framework and address the concerns of its indigenous population. CHRICED emphasizes the importance of redefining Nigeria’s territorial structure to foster regional autonomy and accountability.
During a press conference led by Executive Director Ibrahim Zukirullahi, it was highlighted that indigenous people in Abuja face severe challenges, including statelessness, which deprives them of citizenship rights. They are politically marginalized, often ignored in national discussions, and struggle economically due to limited access to essential services.
Zukirullahi pointed out that many indigenous people are landless, having been displaced from their ancestral territory due to urbanization and government actions. CHRICED believes that constitutional acknowledgment of Abuja as a state should be a priority for legislators, alongside broader constitutional reforms aimed at regional governance.
They also proposed a significant devolution of powers from the federal to regional governments, advocating for a governance structure that would be more tailored to local needs. This decentralized approach is expected to foster local governance, spur innovation, and reduce dependency on federal funds, aiming to ameliorate conditions for economically struggling states.
The organization asserts that many existing states in Nigeria rely heavily on federal allocations and struggle to meet basic obligations like paying salaries and providing essential services. A shift to empowering regional governance could address these issues and promote regional competitiveness.
CHRICED’s call for Abuja to become the 37th state of Nigeria reflects an urgent need for recognition of the rights of indigenous people facing statelessness and marginalization. By advocating for a devolved governance structure, CHRICED aims to enhance local autonomy, improve service delivery, and reduce reliance on federal resources, ultimately fostering regional accountability and economic viability.
Original Source: www.arise.tv
