REJOINDER TO THE CALL FOR EQUITABLE REPRESENTATION OF NIGER STATE IN THE NORTH CENTRAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (NCDC)
By Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel
With utmost respect and patriotism, I commend the robust, intelligent, and truthdriven media statement issued by Dr. Mohammed K. Santuraki (Santurakin Nupe) on the pressing concern surrounding the recent appointments to the North Central Development Commission (NCDC). His bold expression is not only timely, but also a call to reasoned national reflection on equity, justice, and strategic inclusion in governance.
Indeed, we must commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his passionate commitment to rebuilding institutions and balancing representation across the national spectrum. His administration’s forward looking leadership continues to foster a renewed hope in Nigeria’s potential. However, as Dr. Santuraki rightly pointed out, governance is not only about structure, but also about sensitivity, inclusiveness, and reward for loyalty.
Niger State has long been a political bastion for the APC and the current administration. Its massive electoral contribution—over 375,000 votes, majority National Assembly seats, and an APC governed executive—is not merely political data; it is a demonstration of trust and collective sacrifice, deserving of sincere institutional recognition.
“To whom much is given, much is expected—but equally, to whom much has given, much must be acknowledged.”
What stands today is an imbalance of representation in the Commission’s leadership, with both the Chairman and Managing Director as well as the Headquarters concentrated in one ethnopolitical bloc—leaving the Niger, Kogi, Kwara and FCT axis, particularly Niger State, in a visibly marginalized position.
This is a critical juncture that calls for constructive engagement, not confrontation. It is not about opposition, but correction—not about division, but inclusion.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Revisit the Appointment Structure: The presidency should initiate a balancing review process that considers redistributing one of the top positions—either Managing Director or Chairman—to reflect regional fairness and promote unity in the zone.
• Strengthen Inter Zonal Dialogue: A strategic caucus of leaders from the Niger, Kogi, Kwara and FCT axis should engage with Mr. President and relevant stakeholders on sustainable representation models within federal agencies and commissions.
• Set a Precedent of Rewarding Loyalty: Political commitment must be matched with policy benefits. Niger State’s role should serve as a blueprint for rewarding consistent support, encouraging other states to deepen their partnership with the federal government.
• Institutional Equity Mechanism: Let the Federal Character Commission or a presidential advisory panel oversee zoning and appointment reviews to prevent such imbalances in future development commissions.
• Use This Case for Policy Reflection: We must see this as a chance for the Tinubu led administration to correct a subtle but potent oversight—turning a potential backlash into a case study for responsive governance.
FINAL THOUGHT:
President Tinubu is known as a strategic thinker and a political craftsman who values loyalty and performance. We therefore appeal—not in anger but in patriotic hope—for his fatherly intervention to redress this anomaly, and reaffirm Niger State’s rightful place in the developmental future of the North Central region.
“A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it.” – Proverbs 29:4
This is an opportunity for President Tinubu to write a new chapter in equitable federal governance—one that upholds fairness, rewards loyalty, and keeps the promise of inclusivity alive.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel
Development Consultant | Public & Policy Affairs Analyst | Advocate for Inclusive Governance| Economist
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