The FCT Administration has bowed to pressure and announced a definite date for the inauguration of the newly elected chairmen of the six area councils.
The announcement followed protest throughout Friday when angry protesters had besieged the secretariat of the FCTA, demanding that the newly elected chairmen be sworn in immediately.
The protesters were seen with placards with inscriptions like “respect the rule of law, inaugurate our chairmen,” “Do the right thing, swear in the chairmen”, among other inscriptions.
Recall that the FCT High Court had on May 13, 2022, granted a one year extension for the outgoing chairmen and councilors.
However, due to lack of jurisdiction, the judgement was set aside on June 9, 2022, giving way for the swearing in of the newly elected chairmen.
The FCT Administration after hours of closed door meeting with the chairmen- elect and other stakeholders, announced that it will abide by the court ruling and swear in the elected officials immediately after the Democracy Day holiday.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary of the FCTA, Mr Anthony Ogunleye, explained that the administration had to stall the inauguration until it was officially served the new court judgment.
The statement reads, ” The FCTA at about 1400hrs of this Friday, the 10th of June, 2022 received the Certified True Copy of the new judgement of the FCT High Court delivered by Justice Ibrahim Mohammed.”
It further stated that as a law-abiding organization, “the FCTA will equally obey this new judgement just as it had complied with the earlier judgement. The chairmen shall accordingly be inaugurated at 10:00hrs prompt on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. Further details will be provided in due course.
“Residents are once again reminded that the FCT is a creation of law and all actions of the FCT Administration are guided by the rule of law and this case will not be an exception.”
The FCTA commended all stakeholders for their patience and support in this regard and enjoins all residents of the territory to remain calm and law abiding in their daily activities.