**Time for Change: Why Abuja Needs a Mayor, Not a Minister** Imagine living in a city where the government is too detached from the people, and decision-making is often distant and inaccessible. This is the reality for many residents of Abuja, Nigeria's capital city. In a recent statement, human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has sparked a conversation about the need for a change in the way Abuja is governed. She believes that the city needs a mayor, not a minister, to effectively represent the interests of its residents. The idea of a mayor is not new, even in Nigeria. Many state capitals and local governments have their own elected mayors, who serve as the chief executives of their respective areas. So, why not Abuja? According to Yesufu, the current system of having a minister as the head of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is not working. "Abuja needs a mayor! This nonsense appointment of a minister as the executive head of FCT needs to stop," she said. This call for change comes ahead of the recent FCT Area Council election, where residents of Abuja chose their representatives for the six area councils. While the election was a step in the right direction, it is only one part of the puzzle. Having a mayor would mean that the head of Abuja's government is elected by the people, making decision-making more inclusive and responsive to the needs of residents. As one user on X, @jayeobajaye, pointed out, "If we are even copying the American system of government then we should copy it as a whole and not the partial way that is leading us nowhere." This is a valid point, and one that highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to governance in Abuja. By adopting a system of mayoral governance, Abuja can become a more effective and responsive city, one that truly represents the interests of its residents. In conclusion, Aisha Yesufu's call for a mayor in Abuja is a timely reminder of the need for change in the way our cities are governed. By embracing a more inclusive and responsive system of governance, Abuja can become a better place to live, work, and do business. It's time to rethink the way we govern our cities and give the people a greater say in their future.