Christians in North-West Decry Exclusion from North-West Development Commission Board
The recent constitution of the board for the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) by the President Bola Tinubu-led government has sparked outrage among Christians in the North-West zone, who have lamented the non-inclusion of any Christian representative. The omission has raised concerns about religious bias and a lack of inclusivity in governance, with critics accusing the administration of sidelining a significant segment of the population.
In a strongly worded statement issued by the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), North-West Zone, Elder Sunday Oibe, the Christian community expressed its disappointment and alarm over the exclusion. The statement emphasized that governance is fundamentally about inclusiveness and serving the interests of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations.
A Significant Omission
The North-West zone, comprising seven states—Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Zamfara—is home to a substantial Christian population. Despite this, the newly constituted NWDC board does not include a single Christian representative, a move that has been described as unacceptable and discriminatory.
“We wish to draw the attention of the presidency and the National Assembly to the fact that governance is fundamentally about inclusiveness in serving the people,” the statement read. It further highlighted that Christians in the North-West are an integral part of the Nigerian project and their interests cannot be ignored.
A Pattern of Exclusion?
The statement drew parallels between the current administration and the previous government of former President Muhammadu Buhari, which was often accused of nepotism and favoritism in appointments. Elder Oibe expressed concern that the Tinubu administration appears to be perpetuating a similar pattern of religious bias, which undermines the principles of fairness and equity.
“While former President Muhammadu Buhari was accused of nepotism and favoritism in his appointments, we now find ourselves raising concerns about what appears to be religious bias under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu,” the statement noted.
Why the Exclusion Matters
The exclusion of Christians from the NWDC board is not just a symbolic issue; it has practical implications for the region’s development. The North-West zone faces significant challenges, including poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment. The NWDC was established to address these issues and drive sustainable development in the region. However, the absence of Christian representation raises questions about whether the commission will adequately address the needs of all communities, including indigenous Christian populations.
Christians in the North-West have historically contributed to the socio-economic and political development of the region. Their exclusion from the NWDC board sends a troubling message that their voices and concerns are not valued in the decision-making process.
A Call for Review and Inclusivity
CAN has called on President Tinubu to review the membership of the NWDC and ensure adequate representation for Christians in the North-West zone. The association stressed that indigenous Christian communities exist in all seven states of the region and deserve a voice on this critical commission.
“Christians in the North-West are an essential bloc in the Nigerian project, and their interests cannot be ignored,” the statement reiterated. It urged the government to rectify the omission and demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity and fairness in governance.
A Test for Tinubu’s Administration
The exclusion of Christians from the NWDC board is a litmus test for the Tinubu administration’s commitment to religious inclusivity and national unity. As Nigeria grapples with deep-seated religious and ethnic divisions, the government must take deliberate steps to ensure that all groups feel represented and valued.
The Christian community in the North-West is watching closely to see whether the administration will address their concerns or continue to marginalize them. The ball is now in President Tinubu’s court to prove that his government is truly inclusive and committed to serving all Nigerians, regardless of their faith.
Reference
Christians in North-West Decry Exclusion from North-West Development Commission Board