NEF Decries Lopsided Federal Appointments, Urges Tinubu to Uphold National Unity
Northern Elders Forum demands fair representation across all geopolitical zones, citing constitutional breaches in recent federal appointments.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has raised alarm over what it describes as a growing pattern of lopsided federal appointments under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, alleging that they favor the Southwest region at the expense of national unity.
In a statement released by NEF’s spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the forum expressed deep concern that the appointments made since Tinubu assumed office in October 2023 violate the federal character principle enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
Citing Chapter 2, Section 14(3) of the Constitution, the NEF emphasized that the composition of government and its agencies must reflect the diverse makeup of the country and promote national unity. The forum warned that the continued marginalization of other regions undermines the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.
Of particular concern, the group said, is the recent composition of the National Census Committee, which it claims is disproportionately dominated by individuals from the Southwest. According to the NEF, this exclusion threatens the legitimacy and credibility of the upcoming census, which they say must be seen as a truly national undertaking.
“The principle of federal character is not optional—it is a constitutional requirement aimed at preventing the dominance of any region or ethnic group in federal structures,” the statement read. “Any attempt to marginalize certain zones not only violates this principle but also weakens public confidence in national processes.”
The NEF called for the immediate restructuring of the National Census Committee to ensure equitable representation from all six geopolitical zones. It also demanded a comprehensive review and redistribution of appointments across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to align with constitutional mandates.
“Failure to address these imbalances risks sowing seeds of disunity and regional alienation,” the forum warned. “We urge the federal government to take immediate corrective action to uphold fairness, inclusivity, and the rule of law.”
The statement concluded with a call for leadership that respects Nigeria’s rich diversity and prioritizes justice in governance for the sake of national cohesion.
