Vom: Plateau people cannot have it both ways
Can people demand access to Nigeria’s national opportunities for their own sons and daughters, but in active collusion with their political and traditional leaders, insist that federal establishments located in their territory should be reserved, in practice, for them alone? The answer must be no. There is everything wrong with creating the impression that a […]
People should not demand exclusive access to Nigeria's national opportunities for their own citizens while simultaneously insisting that federal establishments located within their territory be reserved solely for them. This double standard is unjust and undermines national integration. Protesters against the appointment of Prof. Abdullahi Ahmed as Provost of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology in Vom, Plateau State, are misguided.
Plateau citizens have historically benefited from federal appointments across various sectors, even those located far outside the state. Prominent examples include Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan, who heads the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and David Daser, President/CEO of the Digital Bridge Institute. These positions were not denied to other qualified Nigerians.
Similarly, other Plateau natives, such as Festus Fuanter, Chairman of the National Teachers Institute, and Rufus Bature, Chairman of the Nigerian Coal Corporation, have been appropriately appointed to federal institutions based on merit, not ethnicity. Section 14(3-4) and Section 15(2) of the 1999 Constitution emphasize the importance of reflecting Nigeria's diversity within the federal government and prohibiting discrimination based on place of origin.
Historical examples, like Professor Umaru D. Gomwalk and Professor Angela Freeman Miri, demonstrate that Plateau citizens have successfully led federal institutions outside their home state without objection. Therefore, the argument that Plateau people "cannot have it both ways" is unfounded, as federal character should be based on competence, integrity, and due process, not ethnic ownership.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Trust's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
