A group under the aegis of ‘Concerned Fulani Residents of Riyom LGA’ has accused the Chairman of the council, Hon. Sati Shuwa, of marginalization when it comes to the appointment of his aides.
The group, which made the accusation in a strongly worded statement signed by its Chairman, Abdullahi Yusuf, expressed its disappointment over what it described as the lopsided nature of appointments by the LG boss, where only six out of 235 Senior Special Assistants (SSA) and Special Assistants (SA), are Muslims and Fulani people.
In the statement titled “Concerns over marginalization of Fulani and Muslim community in appointments in Riyom LGA appointments amidst escalating insecurity”, the group said the lopsided appointments allocation is a clear act of marginalization and a serious underrepresentation of the Fulani and Muslim community, who they claim are among the law-abiding electorate in the council.
Part of the statement made available to DAILY POST reads:
“It is both unfair and unjust that in a democratic system, where all citizens contribute to governance, one community is deliberately sidelined in public appointments.
“This development also represents a regrettable misplacement of priorities at a time when Riyom LGA is grappling with unprecedented insecurity.
“Instead of inclusivity and fairness that could strengthen trust and unity, our voices and representation have once again been silenced in the corridors of local governance.
“We view this gross imbalance as a deliberate act of political discrimination which undermines unity, peacebuilding, and inclusive governance.
“As an integral part of Riyom LGA, the Fulani and Muslim people deserve fair representation in every decision-making process, especially in appointments funded with public resources.
“Rather than channeling scarce public funds into an unusually large number of political aides, the local government should have prioritized strengthening security, and addressing the root causes of the ongoing violence.”
The group called on the Plateau State government, civil society organizations and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and prevail on the council Chairman to review the appointments and give a fair representation to Fulanis and Muslims who were also part of the electorate.
It also added that only an inclusive governance principle can uphold peace, equity, and harmony among all ethnic groups and faiths in the local government area.
