By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Chapter of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has lauded Senate President Godswill Akpabio for suspending the confirmation of the nominees for the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) board during the Senate plenary on November 19, 2024.
The suspension came amidst rising tensions in Southern Kaduna and Southern Kebbi over what has been described as one-sided nominations by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement released on Sunday and signed by the MBF Chairman, Mr. Luka Binniyat, the forum expressed gratitude to the Senate and senators for supporting the suspension.
Concerns Over Representation
The MBF criticized the exclusion of Christians and representatives from Southern Kaduna and Southern Kebbi in the proposed 10-member board.
“It is shocking that not a single Christian is included in the nominations. This exclusion reflects a lack of understanding of the Middle Belt’s demography and geography,” the statement said.
The MBF clarified that Southern Kaduna and Southern Kebbi are integral parts of the Middle Belt, historically distinct from areas ruled by the Sokoto Caliphate and Kanem-Borno Empire in pre-colonial Nigeria.
Appeal for Fair Representation
The MBF called on senators, traditional leaders, clergy, academics, and thought leaders from the Middle Belt to lobby for fair representation in the NWDC board. They urged President Tinubu to review the nominations to include Southern Kaduna and Southern Kebbi.
“We cannot in all fairness be overlooked in appointments to such a weighty commission,” the forum emphasized, highlighting the significant landmass, population, and qualified professionals in these regions.
The current nominees include:
- Haruna Ginsau (Jigawa) – Chairman
- Prof. Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji (Kano) – Managing Director/CEO
- Dr. Yahaya Namahe (Sokoto) – Member
- Aminu Suleiman (Kebbi) – Member
- Tijani Kaura (Zamfara) – Member
- Abdulkadir Usman (Kaduna) – Member
- Muhammad Wudil (Kano) – Member
- Shamsu Sule (Katsina) – Member
- Nasidi Ali (Jigawa) – Member
The forum questioned the rationale behind Jigawa and Kano states having two members each, while Southern Kaduna and Southern Kebbi were excluded.
Call for Justice
The MBF underscored the consequences of marginalization, particularly for areas like Southern Kaduna and Southern Kebbi, which have endured violent conflicts, kidnappings, and herdsmen attacks since 2014.
“We are hopeful the President will correct this oversight, ensuring fair resource allocation and representation to prevent further marginalization,” the statement concluded.
The MBF commended the Senate’s decision, describing it as an opportunity for the presidency to align with justice and fairness, averting potential crises in the North-West region.
