By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Nigeria Indigenous Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna State Chapter, has questioned the rationale behind the exclusion of its members from the recently constituted Governing Board of the North West Development Commission (NWDC), describing it as shocking.
The Forum also accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of continuing the marginalization of the Middle Belt in the Northwest concerning the general welfare of its people, similar to his immediate predecessor, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd).
These disclosures were contained in a statement issued and signed by the Forum’s chairman, Mr. Luka Binniyat, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Sunday.
The statement reads in part: “The MBF wishes to point out the shocking exclusion of its members and regions in the recently constituted Governing Board of the North West Development Commission (NWDC).
According to the MBF, “Of all the appointments made to this very critical Board, the total absence of any member from the Middle Belt parts of the Northwest is very disturbing and depressing, as it does not seem to acknowledge and respect the diversity and composition of the Northwest.
“It may indicate that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue the marginalization of the Middle Belt in the Northwest regarding the general welfare of our people, similar to his immediate predecessor, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd),” it lamented.
The statement added, “The Middle Belt of Nigeria is defined as all parts of the defunct Northern Nigeria that were not ruled or conquered by the Sokoto Caliphate and the Kanem Borno Empire in pre-colonial Nigeria.
“The North Central Zone is far smaller than the Middle Belt, which spans 13 states in the north and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). For clarity, Southern Kebbi and Southern Kaduna fall under the Middle Belt of Nigeria.”
It also noted that “Southern Kaduna has a landmass of 26,000 sq. km, with an estimated population of over 5 million, predominantly Christian. Southern Kaduna comprises 11 LGAs out of Kaduna State’s 23 LGAs, indicating that the Middle Belt part of Kaduna State has more land area than the northern part.
“Kano State, with a landmass of only 20,000 sq. km, has been divided into 44 LGAs. In Kebbi State, about half of its 37,699 sq. km landmass in 12 of its 21 LGAs are in the Middle Belt. These include Kalgo, Koko/Besse, Maiyama, Ngaski, Sakaba, Shanga, Suru, Wasagu/Danko, Yauri, and Zuru.
“Given their significant land size, population, and the presence of skilled and professionally advanced individuals, Southern Kebbi and Southern Kaduna should not be overlooked in appointments to such a critical commission,” it noted.
The President’s appointments in severe dispute include the following members and their states in the board:
– Haruna Ginsau (Jigawa) – Chairman
– Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji (Kano) – Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer
– 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 queried, “How can Kano and Jigawa states have two members each, while Southern Kaduna and Southern Kebbi, with a large Christian population, have no representation? Where is diversification and Federal Character represented here?”
The Forum also stated that they protested the exclusion due to concerns that the perennial marginalization could continue even in staff recruitment and appointments within the commission’s workforce.
“This is unacceptable. Every member will prioritize their community’s interests, not those of Southern Kaduna and Southern Kebbi. Southern Kaduna and Southern Kebbi have suffered from genocidal herdsmen attacks and kidnappings since 2014. Fair resource allocation to ravaged areas is unlikely without representation,” it stated.
The Forum continued, “If the Senate confirms the list and the President inaugurates the members, he should prepare for potential conflicts and crises of interest in the Northwest.”
The Forum noted that “the inclusion of our members on the board would boost President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political standing, as our people are loyal to leadership that improves their well-being and acknowledges their significance.”
In conclusion, the Forum stated, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should note that while other Northwest areas protested violently against his government, the MBF restrained its members, suspecting ulterior motives behind the #EndBadGovernance protests. Southern Kebbi and Southern Kaduna were the only Northwest areas that did not join, not because they were happy with the government, but because we valued peace. We will therefore want to be encouraged to sustain this positive attribute through inclusion in every program, project, and development coming to the Northwest.”
