Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has given his approval for the upgrade of all second-class chiefs to first-class status and all third-class chiefs to second-class within the FCT Council of Chiefs.
He coupled this announcement with an admonition for them to continue their support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Wike made this significant announcement in Abaji on Tuesday, during a visit to the area aimed at expressing gratitude to the populace for their backing of Tinubu’s candidates in the FCT area council elections held on February 21.
The Minister clarified that this gesture was a direct response to a request put forth by Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, the Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs.
“This gesture is because you have worked hard for it and you deserve it. All I want from you is to continue to support Mr President and you will see many good things,” he assured.
Wike, who also thanked the Ona for his support of Tinubu’s administration, instructed the Council Chairman, Mr. Abubakar Abdullahi, to commission a design for a befitting palace for the traditional leader.
He explained that his presence in Abaji was to acknowledge the people for fulfilling their commitment to Mr. President.
“We sat down with you and made a request that you should support Tinubu and that the support should begin with the area council elections.
“The election was held on Feb. 21 and you fulfilled your promise. You came out in your numbers and gave Tinubu 133 out of the 135 polling units in the area council.
“What else can we say, but thank you. Now you have done your own, we will do our own too. Abaji people have spoken and they have spoken very well,” he said.
Earlier, Yunusa had commended Wike for elevating the status of Etsu of Kwali, Luka Nizassan III, to a First Class Chief.
“This has been part of our prayers to previous administrations.
“This decision reflects your understanding of the importance of traditional institutions in our society,” he said.
He then appealed to the Minister to consider upgrading all deserving second-class chiefs to first-class and third-class chiefs to second-class chiefs.
“This will go a long way in ensuring that some of the traditional leaders that are yet to be integrated into the FCT Council of Chiefs will be integrated when upgraded to third-class chiefs.
“Also, in line with the commitment to promoting our traditional institution, I humbly request a new palace that reflects the status of the chairman of the council of chiefs.
“This will not only enhance the institution but also symbolise the rich culture and history of the FCT,” he said.
Yunusa also requested a liaison office in the city center to facilitate improved communication and collaboration between the traditional rulers and the government.
(NAN)
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