Kwara North Group Petitions President Bola Ahmed Tinubu And Others, Rejects Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi’s Nomination to FCC

The nomination of Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi as Kwara State’s representative to the Federal Character Commission (FCC) has met stiff opposition from a regional advocacy group, the Awake Kwara North Movement (AK-NM).

In a petition to the H.E President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), H.E Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq CON Kwara State Governor, Chief of staff to the president of Nigeria Rt.Hon.Femi Gbajamila (CFR), Chairman Senate Committees on Ethics privilege and Public Petitions, Chairman Senate Committees on federal character commission and Intergovernmental affairs and others , the group demanded the immediate rejection of Dr. Abdullahi’s nomination, describing it as an act of “unconstitutional lopsidedness” that further marginalizes the Kwara North Senatorial District.

Violation of Federal Character Principle

In a strongly worded appeal, AK-NM argued that appointing a representative from Kwara Central violates the Federal Character Principle enshrined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner that reflects the federal character of Nigeria,” the group quoted, stressing that the current nomination pattern runs contrary to this constitutional provision.

Claim of 80% Skew in Appointments

AK-NM alleged a systematic exclusion of Kwara North from key federal positions, claiming that over 80% of federal appointments from the state are occupied by individuals from Kwara Central and Kwara South.

> “We cannot afford the few remaining positions from Kwara North to be schemed away again to other zones,” the group stated.

The petition further noted that this imbalance not only contravenes constitutional directives but also “weakens the very foundations of justice upon which the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, rests.”

Call for Kolo’s Reappointment

The movement also called for the reappointment of Hon. Dr. James Jiya Kolo, the immediate past FCC commissioner from Kwara North, citing both performance and precedent.

AK-NM pointed out that previous representatives from Kwara Central and Kwara South, including Prof. A. Oba and the Late Dr. Ogunsola, respectively, had their tenures renewed.

> “Why then should Hon. James Jiya Kolo from Kwara North be treated differently?” the group queried.
“Reappointing Kolo will restore constitutional orderliness, ensure fair representation, and balance federal appointments regionally, ethnically, and religiously.”

Pattern of Displacement

To strengthen their case, AK-NM listed several past instances where Kwara North indigenes were allegedly displaced from federal positions, including:

Late Alh. Ndakeni – National Population Commission

Hon. Timothy Tsado – Public Complaint Commission

Shuaibu Yaman – Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission

Alh. Tauheed – Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC)

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Yisa – National Communications Commission

Hon. Dr. James Jiya Kolo – Federal Character Commission

Appeal to the H.E President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), H.E Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq CON Kwara State Governor, Chief of staff to the president of Nigeria Rt.Hon.Femi Gbajamila (CFR), Chairman Senate Committees on Ethics privilege and Public Petitions, Chairman Senate Committees on federal character commission and Intergovernmental affairs and others

The group concluded by urging the H.E President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), H.E Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq CON Kwara State Governor, Chief of staff to the president of Nigeria Rt.Hon.Femi Gbajamila (CFR), Chairman Senate Committees on Ethics privilege and Public Petitions, Chairman Senate Committees on federal character commission and Intergovernmental affairs and others to intervene, warning that ignoring the call for fair representation could “breed distrust, alienation, and resentment among sections of our people.”“

We believe the Senate leadership will not be remembered for lopsidedness or injustice,” AK-NM stated,

“but rather for standing firmly by the creed of fairness, equity, and the rule of law.”