From Edirin Robinson, in Kaduna
The Forum of Northwest Senatorial Candidates has rejected the alleged nomination of the daughter of the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje Chieftain, and sons of other APC Chieftains into the Northwest Development Commission, calling it an attempt to practice monarchy.
This was contained in a statement signed by the convener of the forum, Balarabe Rufai, and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.
The Forum described the move by the APC as an affront to democratic culture and values, noting that the DSP and Speaker do not have exclusive authority over the North West Development Commission, nor the right to dictate the region’s leadership in such a manner.
According to him, the attempt to place privileged individuals in these roles under the guise of stakeholder representation is both inappropriate and unacceptable.
The Forum, therefore, rejected the nomination and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard the self-serving letter entirely or halt and reverse his approval if granted already.
“The people of the North West of Nigeria commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his visionary decision to establish the North West Development Commission.
“This development brings hope to the region, fostering economic growth, addressing pressing infrastructural issues, and creating opportunities for our people. We applaud this forward-thinking initiative and believe it will play a crucial role in advancing the welfare of the region.
“However, while we appreciate the President’s efforts, we are deeply concerned by recent developments that threaten to undermine the integrity of the Commission.
“It has come to our attention that a letter purportedly written by the Deputy President of the Senate (DSP) and the Speaker of the House of Representatives seeks to nominate the children of serving politicians for directorial positions in the Commission.
“While it is common knowledge that the DSP nominated the Managing Director of the Commission and the Speaker nominated the Chairman of the Board, with other State Governors selecting Board members, even though we have a great insight of the Chairman who is a visionary leader, exemplary leader and a dedicated public servant with an impeccable resume, we are prepared to accept these appointments in the spirit of unity and progress.
“However, the idea of appointing directors was based on political connections and family ties crosses a line. It is an affront to decency and a clear example of selfish political maneuvering. This must be rejected by all well-meaning Nigerians.”
“We strongly reject this and call on the President to take immediate action. If this nomination process has already been approved, we implore the President to halt and reverse it. If it has not yet been approved, we urge him to disregard the self-serving letter entirely.
“Finally, at the Forum, we appealed to the Minister of Works to urgently address the issue of the Kaduna-Abuja road, noting that it is an embarrassment that, despite 10 years of APC governance, the critical infrastructure project remains incomplete.
“As major stakeholders in the region, we find this delay unacceptable and deeply troubling. We urge swift action to complete the road and alleviate the hardships faced by the people of the region.
“We stand united in our commitment to the progress and prosperity of the North West and the entire nation.”
