FCT minister Nyesom Wike has promised to issue certificates of occupancy to the indigenous people of Abuja living on their ancestral land.

Mr Wike made the promise on Wednesday, during a thank-you visit to the people of the Abuja Municipal Area Council.

He explained that the move was intended to give people a sense of belonging to the land of their ancestors.

The minister, who said he understood how painful it could be to be thrown out of one’s ancestral land, promised to do everything possible to make the issuance of the C of O a reality.

“We must change the pattern of politics in Abuja, we must. We must recognise that anywhere you go, there are people there, we must recognise them,” he said.

He explained that he was in AMAC to thank the people for electing candidates who backed President Bola Tinubu during the February 21 Abuja council elections.

“I am here to thank you for the support you gave to all the candidates in the area council elections. They are all supporters of Tinubu,” he said.

Mr Wike pointed out that relationships must not be one-sided, but symbiotic, “meaning you do for me, I do for you; you fall for me, I fall for you; you push me, I push you; you love me, I love you”.

Mr Wike promised to always make time to interact with the people, as directed by Tinubu, to keep governance closer to the people.

He explained that Mr Tinubu had insisted that FCT ministers must always visit communities to find out what the people want.

Mr Wike urged the people to continue supporting only politicians who know how they feel, understand their needs and challenges, rather than unserious politicians who dine with them only because they need their support.

He urged the AMAC chairman, Christopher Maikalangu, who was re-elected to a second term, to make his people happy.

“Anything your people want, our doors are open for you. Come to us. Please do not take their support for granted. Make sure we don’t disappoint our people and make sure all their efforts do not go in vain,” Mr Wike said.

(NAN)