By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of favouring the South-West region in federal appointments and warned that the trend undermines national unity and violates constitutional provisions.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, NEF cited Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates equitable representation in government appointments.
The group condemned the recent composition of the National Census Committee as disproportionately skewed toward the South-West, calling it exclusionary and undemocratic.
NEF demanded an immediate review of the committee and a redistribution of appointments across all six geopolitical zones to ensure fairness.
It warned that continued marginalisation could deepen divisions and threaten national stability.
“Nigeria’s unity depends on leadership that upholds justice, inclusivity, and the rule of law,” the statement read.