An Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration not to deprive the Federal Capital Territory of a ministerial slot.
Olajengbesi who is also the Managing Partner of Law Corridor, on Friday at a media parley on social justice appealed to the Federal Government not to deny the FCT of benefits as a state.
According to Independent, he said the All Progressives Congress argued during the 2023 presidential election that the FCT is a state, citing Section 134 (1) (b) and (2) (b) with emphasis on “two-thirds of all the States in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja”.
He added that it will be hypocrisy for the APC government not to allot a ministerial slot to the FCT after the party considered the FCT as a state and not a different entity in arguing the requirement of 25% of votes in the February 25 presidential election.
For fairness, justice and equity, the APC-led government of President Bola Tinubu should not deny the Federal Capital Territory of a ministerial slot just as each of the 36 states gets at least one ministerial slot.
“This is in line with Section 318 of the 1999 Constitution on the federal character principle to promote national unity, foster national loyalty and give every citizen of Nigeria a sense of belonging to the nation.
“Also, Section 14 (3 and (4) of the 1999 Constitution is clear that the composition of the Government of the Federation must be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity.
“The APC-led administration should give a sense of belonging to the aboriginal people of Abuja and give a ministerial slot to an indigene of the FCT just as each of the 36 states produces indigenes as members of the Federal Executive Council.”