Leaders from Kwara North have petitioned the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, urging him to reject what they termed an “unconstitutional and lopsided nomination” of Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi from Kwara Central as the state’s representative in the Federal Character Commission, FCC.
In a letter dated October 16, 2025, and signed by the Chairman, Shaaba S.J., and Secretary, Ibrahim Liman, of the Association of Kwara North Movement, the group described the nomination as a clear violation of Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which upholds fairness, equity, and inclusiveness in government appointments.
According to the petitioners, Kwara North has suffered repeated marginalisation in federal appointments, while Kwara Central and South continue to dominate key positions.
They argued that this pattern undermines the objectives of the Federal Character Commission Act, which seeks equitable distribution of public offices across Nigeria’s regions, ethnicities, and religions.
The group expressed concern that the decision to nominate Abdullahi from Kwara Central would deepen the sense of exclusion in the North, which already accounts for less than 20% of federal appointments from the state.
They called on the Senate to intervene to restore balance, warning that continued disregard for inclusivity could erode public trust and weaken national unity.
The petition highlighted instances where Kwara North appointees were previously displaced in federal institutions, including the National Population Commission, Public Complaints Commission, Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission, and HYPPADEC.
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It also noted that past FCC representatives from other zones — Prof. A. Oba (Kwara Central) and Late Dr. Ogunsola (Kwara South) — had their tenures renewed, questioning why Hon. Dr. James Jiya Kolo from Kwara North should be excluded from the same privilege.
Reaffirming their faith in the Senate’s leadership, the group appealed for Kolo’s reappointment, describing him as a man of integrity and a loyal supporter of President Tinubu’s administration.
They maintained that his return would reflect constitutional order, promote equity, and strengthen the state’s sense of belonging within the national framework.
The petition concluded with an appeal for Akpabio to be remembered “not for injustice or lopsidedness, but for upholding fairness, equity, and the rule of law.”
Sahara Reporters
