NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS DANIELLA NSISONG SPEAKS OUT AGAINST TREATMENT OF COMFORT EMMANSON

Dear Distinguished Leaders of the National Assembly,

We, the original inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), write to you today, May 22, 2025, with heavy hearts and an urgent plea for your immediate attention and decisive action regarding a deeply disturbing incident.

As the indigenous people of this territory, from the nine ethnic groups of Amwamwa, Bassa, Egbira, Gade, Ganagana, Gbagyi, Gbari, Gwandara, and Koro, we are compelled to address the unconscionable use of force against our peaceful protesters advocating for our rights.

Description of the Incident:

Yesterday, May 21, 2025, members of our community engaged in a peaceful protest outside the National Assembly. We sought to express our legitimate grievances regarding the controversial appointment of Mr. Solomon Ododo, a non-indigene, to represent us, the original inhabitants of the FCT, at the National Assembly. This appointment is widely perceived as a direct affront to our constitutional rights and historical claims, denying us authentic representation.

Our protest was entirely peaceful and unarmed. However, the situation escalated tragically and unnecessarily when police officers, present at the scene, were ordered to dismiss us. This order was executed with an alarming and utterly disproportionate use of force. Instead of employing standard crowd control measures, firearms were deployed. In the ensuing chaos, one of our people was tragically shot, sustaining a grievous injury. Countless others were subjected to tear gas, resulting in numerous injuries, including severe respiratory distress, eye irritation, and physical trauma.

The scene quickly devolved into one of panic and suffering, transforming a legitimate exercise of democratic rights into a brutal display of state-sanctioned violence against its own citizens.

Analysis of the Whole Functionality:

This incident exposes a deeply troubling and potentially systemic breakdown in the functionality of several critical aspects of governance and law enforcement:

1.  Disregard for Fundamental Human Rights: The right to peaceful assembly and protest is a cornerstone of any functioning democracy, enshrined in our constitution. The deployment of live ammunition and excessive force against unarmed civilians is a grave violation of these fundamental human rights and international norms. It demonstrates an alarming disregard for the sanctity of human life and the democratic process itself.

2.  Lack of Proportionate Response and Crowd Control Training: The police response was not only disproportionate but also indicative of a severe failure in crowd control protocols and training. There are established international best practices for managing protests, which prioritize de-escalation and the use of non-lethal methods. The immediate resort to firearms and widespread tear-gassing suggests a lack of proper training, discipline, or an explicit order to brutalize protesters, rather than manage a peaceful demonstration.

3.  Accountability and Command Structure Failure: The order to use firearms against peaceful protesters raises serious questions about the command structure and who authorized such a dangerous and unlawful directive. There must be full transparency and accountability for those who issued and executed these orders. Failure to identify and prosecute those responsible will only embolden further abuses of power.

4.  Erosion of Public Trust: Incidents like this severely erode public trust in law enforcement and government institutions. When citizens are met with violence for exercising their democratic rights, it fosters a climate of fear and alienation, undermining the very fabric of our society.

5.  Addressing the Root Cause of the Protest: While the focus of this letter is the violence, it is imperative to remember that the protest itself was a reaction to a significant grievance: the appointment of a non-indigene to represent the original inhabitants of the FCT. This issue, if not addressed genuinely and inclusively, will continue to be a source of tension and further protests.

Call to Action:

As the original inhabitants of the FCT, we urge the National Assembly to:

1.  Launch an Immediate, Independent, and Thorough Investigation: We demand a comprehensive and impartial inquiry into the events of May 21, 2025. This investigation must identify those responsible for ordering and carrying out the excessive use of force, including any senior police or government officials. The findings must be made public.

2.  Ensure Accountability and Prosecution: All individuals found culpable in the unlawful use of force, including those who fired weapons and those who gave the orders, must be held accountable and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This is crucial for justice and to deter future abuses.

3.  Provide Justice and Compensation for Victims: The individual who was shot must receive immediate and comprehensive medical care, and adequate compensation must be provided for their injuries and suffering. Similarly, all others affected by the tear gas should receive necessary medical attention and support.

4.  Review Police Rules of Engagement and Crowd Control Procedures: We call for an urgent review and reform of police rules of engagement, particularly concerning public protests. Training on de-escalation techniques, non-lethal crowd control, and respect for human rights must be prioritized and rigorously enforced.

5.  Address the FCT Indigene Representation Issue: While not directly related to the violence, we implore the National Assembly to revisit and genuinely address the contentious appointment of Mr. Solomon Ododo. Sustainable peace requires addressing the root causes of discontent, and ensuring authentic and fair representation for the original inhabitants of the FCT is paramount.

The events of yesterday represent a grave threat to our democratic values and the rights of ordinary citizens. We believe the National Assembly, as the highest legislative body representing the will of the people, has a moral and constitutional obligation to act decisively to prevent such atrocities from recurring.

We await your swift and decisive response to this critical matter.

Sincerely,

United Abuja Aboriginals (UAA)