Northwest Senatorial Forum calls for transparency in Selection of Directors for N/W Commission

From:Femi Oyelola in Kaduna

The Forum of the Northwest Senatorial Candidates in 2023  has called for transparency in the selection of Directors in the Northwest Development Commission.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Convener of the Forum, Balarabe Rufai.

He asserted this during a press conference held in Kaduna yesterday.

This is in response to the alleged nomination of the daughter of the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and other APC Chieftain sons into the Commission.

The Forum stressed that such an attempt to place privileged individuals in these roles under the guise of stakeholder representation is both inappropriate and unacceptable.

The Forum called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reverse his approval if given already or disregard the self-serving letter entirely.

The Chairman opined that it is an affront to democratic culture and values, adding that the DSP and Speaker do not have exclusive authority over the North West Development Commission, nor do they have the right to dictate the region’s leadership in such a manner.

“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.

“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.”