The Kaduna State chapter of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has commended the Senate for suspending the confirmation of nominated board members of the North West Development Commission. The decision, announced during the Senate plenary on November 19, 2024, was welcomed as an opportunity for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address concerns of fairness and inclusivity.
In a statement issued Sunday night, Luka Binniyat, Chairman of the MBF Kaduna State chapter, expressed gratitude to the Senate for acknowledging the tense atmosphere in Southern Kaduna and Southern Kebbi caused by what he described as “one-sided nominations.”
Binniyat criticized the exclusion of Southern Kaduna and Southern Kebbi from the 10-member board, questioning why Kano and Jigawa States were allocated two members each while large Christian populations in the Middle Belt were left unrepresented.
“This glaring lack of diversity undermines the Federal Character principle and disregards the pressing needs of communities ravaged by herdsmen attacks and kidnappings,” Binniyat stated.
He urged Middle Belt Senators to intensify lobbying efforts with their colleagues and President Tinubu, while calling on traditional leaders, clergy, academics, and thought leaders to join the advocacy for fair representation.
The suspension of the confirmation process signals an opportunity to ensure more equitable representation and resource allocation to underserved areas, particularly those in crisis-affected regions.
