Realising the peculiarity of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja where elections were not held for governor or state legislators, some powerful stakeholders in the city have canvassed for the appointment of Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a former Defence Minister as the next Minister of the territory.

Speaking under the aegis of Abuja Residents Forum (ARF), the group at a media briefing in Abuja at the weekend said with requisite experience and records of performance in maintaining peace and unprecedented infrastructure development in the last four years in Kano, it is only appropriate that he be allowed to turn Abuja into a masterpiece like other international capital cities.

Leader of the group, Alhaji Aminu Abubakar, said: “Yes, we are aware that Dr. Kwankwaso has just been elected a Senator of the Federal Republic but it is our belief that he will be better utilised as a Minister under the envisaged dispensation as Nigerians are all too eager to reap the benefits of electing Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and it is only tested hands that can help to achieve this.

“Remember that he was governor between 2003 and 2007 before he took a break to serve as Minister of Defence. He returned to Kano Government House in 2011where he performed his development miracle in the state.

“Noting that the FCT does not have a governor and so residents lack the power to elect who governs FCT residents, appointing Kwankwaso as FCT minister will have the multiple advantage of ensuring that someone with sound pedigree and great antecedents is put in charge; giving residents a minister with listening ear and also; giving the President peace of mind because of Kwankwaso’s dependability.

“He was also Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives between 1992 and 1993 and board member (Rep Northwest) Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC)

“Currently, over 1,000 students from the state are studying in various universities in Nigeria and abroad on government scholarship in addition to the various other first class institutions that he established within the short period.”

ARF, which is a socio-cultural group interested in development of the FCT with members cutting across different tribes, religion, culture, and states in the federation who live in the six area councils of FCT insisted: “Our aim is to see to the progress of FCT and improvement of welfare of its residents.”

Congratulating President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, on his well-deserved victory after three strenuous trials, the group said the victory is a lesson for the younger generation of Nigerians in perseverance, dedication and patience.

In the same vein, it commended President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for displaying statesmanship, humility and exemplary attitude for humanity to emulate in conceding defeat even before the official announcement of the results.

Also at the occasion are some of the executive members of the forum including Hon. Olushola Emmanuel, Comrade Mohammed Usman, Alhaji Hussaini Yusuf, Evangelist Charles E Okehislem and Mrs. Veronica Joseph.

•Photo shows Abuja Residents Forum chiefs during the press briefing.

Update news