Toba Owojaiye reporting
The Idoma community of Benue State is urging Bola Tinubu, the President, to dismiss the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, and reject the ministerial nominee, Joseph Utsav, both from the Tiv ethnic group.
They claim that the Idoma people have been marginalized in political appointments at both federal and state levels under the leadership of Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia. According to a press statement by a coalition of Idoma professionals led by Hon. Inalegwu Adaje, the recent ministerial nomination constitutes a serious violation of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
The coalition leader, Adaje, highlights the imbalance in the current government of Benue State, where the Tiv tribe seems to dominate various key positions. This situation contradicts the constitutional provision for federal character and inclusiveness in government appointments. Adaje emphasizes the need for diversity and equal rights for all Nigerians.
Consequently, the coalition calls on President Tinubu to take immediate action and remove the SGF, George Akume, and address the perceived breach of the constitutional provision.
They raise concerns about the potential negative effects on national unity and loyalty if such imbalances persist.
In summary, the Idoma community in Benue State is demanding fair representation and inclusiveness in government appointments, urging President Tinubu to rectify the current situation by dismissing the SGF and rejecting the ministerial nominee from Benue.