A group of civil society organisations at the forefront of the rights of the Original Inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has decried the effects of the lingering strikes by teachers in public schools. “These strikes have a direct and disruptive effect on the lives of people already affected by the pandemic”. The CSOs said in a statement today, Sunday, February 20.

The CSOs are: Abuja Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment Organization, Abiodun Essiet Initiative for Girls, Centre for Environmental Sustainability & Development Awareness, Socio Economic Research and Development Centre, HipCity Innovation Center, Mairo Women Foundation, Centre for Transparency Advocacy, Association of FCT Traditional Rulers Wives and Helpline Foundation for the Needy.

"The industrial actions by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and that of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) have a direct effect on the basic rights of Original Inhabitants of the Nation’s Capital", said the CSOs in the statement.

The group is also demanding for immediate end to the impasse being caused by the strike.

The statement reads, “As a cohort, we call for a speedy resolution of the issues that led to these strikes.

“Resolving these issues with immediate effect will accord Original Inhabitants and other residents in the FCT a continued enjoyment of key social services, which have been shut down since the disputes began”.

They called on the parties to heed the fact that by their actions and refusal to find lasting solutions, the basic rights of FCT Original Inhabitants, adding “such as the right to quality basic education and healthcare services, are currently being denied”.

The CSOs further lamented that since the strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers began in January, the public primary schools across the Area Councils have been closed resulting in a direct negative impact on the education of our dear children.

“Many parents are not able to afford to send their children to private schools, rely on the public school system which has now come to a complete halt.

“The downing of tools by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees over alleged non release of Area Council allocations by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has further compounded the plight of FCT Original Inhabitants.

“Because of the industrial action, key functions of the local governments, especially related to healthcare delivery at the grassroots and the prevention or curtailing the spread of diseases has been put in abeyance.

“It is important for all to note that given the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on lives and livelihoods of Original Inhabitants, it is paramount that critical social services are not curtailed and that they continue to be provided in better quality and quantity”.

According to the group, they are currently implementing a two-year project focused on promoting the rights of the Original Inhabitants in the FCT.

The CSOs disclosed that, “we clearly recognize ongoing efforts and recent steps towards reforms and citizens engagement by the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory.

“These include town hall meetings, registration of land compensation claims and the setting up of new models for governance within the territory”.

They went on to say that is therefore highly disconcerting that the authorities will allow industrial disputes to fester and undermine its otherwise commendable efforts at governance reform and citizen engagement.

“This Cohort admonished that if the situation is not quickly addressed, it could further worsen the plight of FCT Original Inhabitants who are already suffering from decades of historic marginalization and economic dislocation. The Cohort therefore calls for sustained efforts by the authorities to speedily resolve the issues at stake and restore normalcy to the governance of the Area Councils”, the group stated.

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