Karshi traditional ruler advocates for more area councils and Senate seats for Abuja.
The traditional ruler of Karshi Chiefdom in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), His Royal Highness Alhaji Isma’ila Mohammed, has called for urgent constitutional amendments to address the inadequate political representation of Abuja. Speaking at the inauguration of CHRICED Radio and Television Studio in Abuja, the monarch emphasized that despite the FCT’s large population and extensive land area, its political voice remains disproportionately small.
Alhaji Mohammed noted that since the commencement of constitutional amendments in 1999, no significant changes have been made to improve the political structure of the FCT, despite several attempts. He revealed that during the last constitutional amendment, over 14 requests from FCT residents were submitted, but none were granted.
“Every four years, there is an attempt to amend the 1999 Constitution, yet none of these efforts have led to improvements for the FCT. We need more area councils. The FCT is larger than Lagos State and the former Western Region, which has been split into smaller units for better representation,” the monarch stated.
With over 8,000 square kilometers of land and a growing population, the monarch argued that the FCT deserves more senators and members of the House of Representatives to ensure fair representation in the nation’s legislative processes.
Government’s Response: Appointment of an FCT Minister
Alhaji Mohammed acknowledged the recent appointment of an FCT Minister by the Federal Government, describing it as a positive response to long-standing calls from Abuja’s residents.
“I am pleased that the government has appointed a minister from the FCT. This is a significant step forward in addressing our demands for proper representation. It is encouraging to see that our voices are being heard,” he said.
A Shift in Nigeria’s Media Landscape
Reflecting on the media landscape in Nigeria, Alhaji Mohammed also spoke about the challenges faced by traditional media, including government interference and censorship. He noted that obtaining a broadcasting license in the past was often a politically charged process, with stations critical of the government facing severe consequences.
However, he welcomed the rise of digital platforms, which he believes offer a broader and more independent reach compared to traditional media outlets. “The internet generation has made it possible for us to tell our own stories. Unlike traditional media, which may be constrained by government regulations, online platforms allow us to broadcast our realities without interference.”
The Karshi monarch emphasized that digital platforms offer a powerful means of raising awareness about the issues faced by FCT residents, whose struggles often go unnoticed by the broader Nigerian public. “We must use these platforms to educate the rest of the country about the challenges we face in the FCT,” he said.
CHRICED’s Role in Advancing Civic Engagement
Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi, Executive Director of CHRICED (Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education), underscored the growing threats to Nigeria’s democracy, including corruption, judicial inconsistencies, media suppression, and the erosion of political accountability. He emphasized that CHRICED’s new digital platforms would serve as critical tools to inform and advocate for historically marginalized groups, such as youth, women, indigenous communities, and persons with disabilities.
“For too long, political elites have manipulated narratives, distorted truths, and silenced dissenting voices. The media, which should be an institution for liberation, has instead been co-opted to suppress alternative viewpoints. But with the launch of CHRICED Radio and Television, we are reclaiming this space,” Zikirullahi declared.
A Landmark Moment for Nigerian Civil Society
Professor Momodu Kassim-Momodu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of CHRICED, highlighted the significance of the new digital broadcasting platform. He praised the initiative as a historic moment for Nigeria’s civil society, pointing out that it was likely the first time an NGO had launched both radio and television stations simultaneously.
“This milestone marks a significant step forward for civil society in Nigeria. Since our founding in 2006, we’ve strived to make a meaningful impact, and the support from our partners, including the MacArthur Foundation, has been instrumental,” said Professor Kassim-Momodu.
The launch event also honored the legacies of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Professor Abubakar Momoh, both of whom were lauded for their contributions to democracy and civic advocacy in Nigeria.
Call for Inclusive Governance
In closing, Alhaji Mohammed reiterated his call for inclusive governance and more robust representation for the people of Abuja. “It is essential that every Nigerian, no matter where they live, has their voice heard. The time for true constitutional reform is now.”
