The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna State chapter, has expressed outrage over the exclusion of its members from the newly constituted Governing Board of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) by President Bola Tinubu. In a strong statement issued on Sunday, the MBF described the absence of representation from the Middle Belt as “disturbing, depressing, and shocking,” raising concerns about continued marginalization under Tinubu’s administration.
Middle Belt Exclusion Raises Alarms
Luka Binniyat, chairman of the MBF Kaduna chapter, voiced his disappointment over the exclusion. He emphasized that the Middle Belt, a region known for its diversity, deserved fair representation in the NWDC. Binniyat stated, “The total absence of any member from the Middle Belt parts of the North West Development Commission is very disturbing and depressing, as it does not seem to acknowledge and respect the diversity and composition of the region.”
This omission, according to Binniyat, is a continuation of the marginalization the Middle Belt faced during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari. He warned that this exclusion undermines the principles of diversity and Federal Character, which are crucial for maintaining equity in Nigeria’s governance structure.
Disparities in Representation Spark Outrage
Binniyat expressed frustration that Kano and Jigawa states, both northern states, were allocated two members each on the NWDC board, while Southern Kaduna and Southern Kebbi, with significant Christian populations, were left without any representation. “Where is diversification and Federal Character represented here?” Binniyat asked, highlighting the uneven distribution of appointments.
The MBF chairman pointed out that the North Central zone is smaller in geographical size compared to the Middle Belt, which spans across 13 states in northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Yet, despite the region’s large population and contribution to national unity, it remains sidelined in key federal appointments.
Impact on Resource Allocation and Conflict
Binniyat stressed that the exclusion of Middle Belt representatives could have far-reaching consequences, especially in areas that have been ravaged by violence. Southern Kaduna and Southern Kebbi, which have faced persistent attacks by armed herdsmen and kidnappers since 2014, may continue to suffer from inadequate resource allocation and support due to their lack of representation on the NWDC board.
He warned that if the Senate confirms the current list of board members and President Tinubu proceeds with their inauguration, the government could face “potential conflicts and crises of interest” in the Northwest region. According to Binniyat, fair representation is critical to ensuring that the resources and attention needed to address the ongoing humanitarian crises in the Middle Belt are adequately provided.
MBF Calls for Action
The Middle Belt Forum urged President Tinubu to reconsider the composition of the NWDC board and address the concerns raised by the region. Binniyat concluded by reminding the government that while other parts of the Northwest engaged in violent protests against marginalization, the MBF and its members have shown restraint. However, the chairman hinted that continued exclusion could lead to further tensions in the region.
As the controversy surrounding the exclusion grows, all eyes are now on the Nigerian Senate and the Tinubu administration to see how they will respond to the mounting calls for fair representation and inclusion of the Middle Belt in the North West Development Commission.
