CurrentReport Blog The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has expressed dissatisfaction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s revised appointments to the Governing Board of the North West Development Commission (NWDC), citing the exclusion of Christians as a significant concern.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the group’s chairman, Isaac Abrak, the NCYP criticized the appointments, calling them a deviation from the President’s promises of inclusivity and equitable representation.
“We are compelled to express our deep disappointment and concern over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s adjusted appointments to the governing board of the North West Development Commission, which once again excluded Christians from representation. This omission is a clear departure from the President’s claim of leadership of inclusivity, fair representation, and equality,” the statement read.
The NCYP emphasized the importance of religious and ethnic balance in the composition of the board, which oversees development initiatives in the region. The group argued that fair representation of Christians in the 11 offices of the board is essential for fostering trust, ensuring acceptability in the region, and enabling the commission to deliver on its mandate effectively.
The group called on the Nigerian Senate to withhold the inauguration of the appointed board members, warning that proceeding without addressing the exclusion could undermine progress in the North West. The region has been working to overcome challenges related to insecurity and inter-religious tensions, and the NCYP fears that the lack of Christian representation could reignite religious discord.
“As a group that not only supports the President but also campaigned for his election, we strongly advise him to be mindful of any actions that might hinder the region’s progress,” the statement continued.
The NCYP urged President Tinubu to address the perceived imbalance swiftly, highlighting that inclusive representation is critical for the commission’s success and the sustainable development of the region.
“We believe that inclusive representation is crucial for the commission’s success and the region’s continued growth. We hope the President will take our concerns seriously and take prompt action to address this imbalance,” the group concluded.
The North West Development Commission was established to address developmental challenges and promote economic growth in the North West region of Nigeria. However, its leadership structure has faced criticism in recent years for perceived biases and lack of inclusivity.
The Presidency is yet to respond to the concerns raised by the NCYP. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders in the region and across the nation will be watching closely to see how the administration addresses these calls for equity and representation.
