By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Joint-Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations have called on the Members of the National Assembly Elected by the People in the North of Nigeria to Immediately Act on the alleged Proposal pertaining to the relocation of 5 Key CBN Departments and the Purported Relocation of the Headquarters of FAAN from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, to Lagos State
They also urged all their representatives to demand for the immediate removal of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Minister of Aviation from their positions.
The called is contained in a statement issued Thursday and signed by the convener Murtala Abubakar; Director of Public Communication & Strategy Hashim Tom Maiyashi; Director, Gender Mobilization Ms. Latifa Abdussalam and 16 other associations.
According to the committee, the demand for removal of the duo is not a punitive measure but an urgent step to restore public trust, ensure accountability, and uphold the constitutional integrity of key institutions that significantly influence the nation’s economic and administrative landscape.
“The Joint-Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations Call on the Members of the National Assembly Elected by the People in the North to Immediately Act on the Proposal Pertaining to the Relocation of 5 Key CBN Departments and the Purported Relocation of the Headquarters of
FAAN from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, to Lagos State.
“We extend our profound commendation to the esteemed Senators and Members of the House of Representatives who have raised their voices in
disapproval of recent decisions pertaining to the proposed relocation of essential departments from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the purported shift of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) headquarters from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to Lagos State.
“This commendation goes beyond a mere acknowledgment of dissent; it is a tribute to those who understand that their role as legislators is not just to represent but to safeguard the constitutional integrity of our nation.
“It is commendable demonstration of commitment to the unity and balanced development of our nation. These representatives have rightly questioned the rationale behind these decisions, recognizing the potential negative impact on regional representation, economic equilibrium, and the overall stability of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, it stated.
The committee particularly salute the courage and impeccable demonstration of public service by Senator Ali Ndume.
According to them, reports in the media indicated that the group of Senators elected by the people of the North, “and whom they represent in the Red Chambers, muted the idea of taking the Federal Government to Court on the matter.
“While we respect the independence of the judiciary, we must emphasize that resorting to legal proceedings could be interpreted as a sign of
procrastination.
“Our legislators hold a constitutional mandate to ensure that the Executive aligns its policies and programs with the constitutional principles that have been violated by the actions of the CBN and FAAN.
“The urgency of the matter requires expeditious legislative action to correct these deviations from our constitutional ideals”, it noted.
While acknowledging the proactive stance taken by “These legislators, the Northern Youth Organizations would like to go a step further by calling on our representatives in the National Assembly to exercise their full legislative oversight functions.
“In the spirit of constitutional governance, the Northern Youth Organizations call on our representatives in the
National Assembly to exercise their full legislative oversight functions.
“We urge them to set a definite deadline for the Executive to rescind the decisions related to the relocation of CBN departments and FAAN headquarters as well as to take proactive corrective measures’, it added.
They also added that given the magnitude of the decisions by the CBN and FAAN that clearly demonstrate unsuitability of their chief-executives to preside over
federal institutions, ” We urge our representatives to demand the immediate removal of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Minister of Aviation from their positions.
“This is not a punitive measure but an urgent step to restore public trust, ensure accountability, and uphold the constitutional integrity of key institutions that significantly influence our nation’s economic and administrative landscape.
“Executive decisions that impact on economic and administrative landscape of our nation must be made with competence, transparency, and adherence to
constitutional principles.
“We believe by taking these measures you will not only be meeting up with the legitimate interests of your constituents but will also demonstrate your ardent commitment to constitutional governance, national unity, and
inclusive development.
“We anticipate that our representatives in the
National Assembly will navigate these critical matters with wisdom,
guided by thespirit of constitutional governance and a profound
understanding of the constitutional principles that define our great nation.
“The Northern Youth Associations believe that the Constitution of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria, as the supreme law of the land, places utmost importance on the unity of our diverse nation
“Any decision that could potentially undermine this unity, such as the relocation of key institutions, must be subjected to rigorous scrutiny to ensure alignment with constitutional principles.
“Secondly, the constitutional designation of Abuja as the Federal Capital Territory and the seat of government is not a mere
administrative classification.
“It is a constitutional mandate that reflects our commitment to balanced development and equitable representation.
Altering this designation requires careful constitutional consideration.
“Thirdly, Empowered by the Nigerian Constitution, the National Assembly has the authority of legislative oversight—a sacred duty to scrutinize and ensure the faithful execution of constitutional mandates.
“The legislators intervention in questioning the decisions at hand reflects a constitutional
responsibility to protect the interests of the Nigerian people”, it stated…….
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The 16 other sister association of Joint -Action committee represented, according to the releases, includes Arewa Defense League, Association of Northern Nigerian Students, Arewa Youth for Development and National Unity, Arewa Young Women’s Rights Advocate Council, Northern Youth in Defense of Democracy, Arewa Radio and Television Commentators.
Others are Northern Youth Democratic Agenda, The Time is Now, the Time is Ours Association,
Arewa Youth Advocate for Peace and Unity Initiative, Northeast Youth Artisans Association, Bauchi State Citizens Action for Change,
Youth Initiative for Good Governance, Coalition of Tiv Youth Organization, Matasan Arewa Ina Mafita Development Association, Toro Youth Circle and Northern Youth Coalition Forum respectively.
