- North Central politicians, part of the North Central Development Initiative (NCDI), express grievances over perceived neglect in key federal appointments
- NCDI Director-General, Musa Otigba, highlights the absence of North Central representation in crucial roles, emphasizing security challenges in the region
A group of politicians from the North Central region expressed grievances on Monday, accusing the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu of neglecting indigenous people from the six states in the zone regarding key federal government appointments.
Under the banner of the North Central Development Initiative (NCDI), the politicians highlighted the absence of individuals from the region in crucial roles, particularly within the national security architecture and the leadership of the National Assembly. They also pointed out the lack of representation from the North Central in the Supreme Court.
Musa Otigba, the Director-General and National Coordinator of NCDI, emphasized the pressing concern during a press conference in Abuja. Otigba, hailing from Kogi State, expressed dismay over the exclusion, noting that the region faced various security challenges, including banditry and other criminal activities.
He underscored the group’s distress, especially considering the substantial support they provided to enthrone the current government, only to witness what they perceive as neglect in a relatively short span.
The press conference featured prominent members of NCDI, including Mohammed Alabi (Kwara State), Director of Administration; Dominic Alancha (Benue State), Bashir Bago (Niger State), Juliana Aliyu (Plateau State), Hannatu Aboki (Nasarawa State), David Ismaila (FCT), Oluseyi Sunday (Kogi State), Babatunde Ahmed (Kwara State), Teghtegh Fabian (Benue State), and Dr. Zubairu Abdullahi (Niger State).
The NCDI representatives voiced their concerns, urging the administration to address the perceived marginalization and ensure equitable representation for the North Central region in key governmental roles. The situation, they argued, is particularly alarming given the region’s ongoing security challenges, necessitating a collaborative and inclusive approach for effective governance.