Why Dutse deserves equal representation in ministerial appointment
By Mohammed Awwal
The recent appointment of Dr Suwaiba Said Ahmad from Jigawa state as Minister of Education by President Bola Tinubu is commendable.
But we in Dutse say we have been long marginalised in federal appointments since 2015 when President Muhammadu Buhari became President. Dutse has not been represented in a federal cabinet. And such story of marginalisation is upheld by Buhari’s successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Although Suwaiba is very much qualified for the ministerial position, justice and fairness demand that the second ministerial nominee from Jigawa should not come from the same local government and ward as Muhammed Badaru, Minister of Defence.
Moreover it is a political miscalculation to appoint Dr Suwaiba Ahmed Said as a minister of the Federal Republic representing Jigawa State when she has never voted or been voted for in the. state. It is on verifiable records that she is not a Jigawa APC membership card carrier.
Then why should such a person suddenly come to take the place of those who have gone through thick and thin of the party? People of Dutse Emirate say Dr Suwaiba and her sponsors should not reap where they did not show, because it is Dutse Emirate that now deserves the second ministerial slot.
This consideration is crucial to address the long-standing neglect of our area, which has not produced a minister since 2015.
How can we reconcile the fact that 45 percent of voters in Jigawa state comes from Dutse Emirate but the same Emirate is being denied of representation at the federal level. The flagrant denial has led to concerns about marginalization and underdevelopment of the area.
By appointing a minister from Dutse, President Tinubu woul have demonstrated his commitment to unity and inclusive governance, and a guarantee that APC will garner more votes from Dutse in 2027. The hen that lays golden eggs should be well cared for. This move would also align with the informal zoning that operates nationwide.
Given Jigawa’s strategic importance in the northwest region, its diverse population, and growing economy, it’s essential to ensure balanced representation. The area’s challenges, such as desertification, low education rates, and underdeveloped agricultural sectors, require effective leadership and federal support. Therefore, we in Dutse strongly clamour for a representation.
In conclusion, while Suwaiba’s qualifications are undeniable, the need for fairness, justice, and representation necessitates that the second ministerial nominee hail from another area, specifically Dutse. This decision would promote unity, address historical neglect, and foster development in the region.
The appointment of two ministers from the same local government and ward of Jigawa State will continue to spark controversy if not addressed. Critics argue that this move is unfair and neglects other areas, such as Dutse, which deserves a representation.
President Tinubu’s ministerial list consists of 47 members, with some states having more than one nominee, including Ogun, Lagos, Kano, Katsina, and Kebbi.
While the President aims to establish a unity government, the appointment of two ministers from the same area raises concerns about balance and fairness.
Although President Tinubu has emphasized that his ministers should serve Nigeria, not their regions or states, the appointment of two ministers from the same area may undermine his message. It is crucial for the President to balance regional representation with the need for effective governance.
To address these concerns, President Tinubu should reconsider the ministerial appointments to ensure fair representation across all regions in the states.
By doing so, he would alleviate the fears of marginalized communities and promote a sense of belonging among all Nigerians.
Ultimately, the appointment of ministers should prioritize merit, competence, and regional balance. By striking this balance, President Tinubu can build a strong and effective cabinet that serves the interests of all Nigerians.
Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar Badaru and Dr Suwaiba Ahmad Said are both from the same local government area and ward. How then should they be appointed federal ministers and leave other areas to their funeral?
Note that equal representation promotes fairness and justice. It will also redress historical marginalization: Dutse has been overlooked for ministerial positions for long. What are our sins? Are you telling us that we don’t have sons and daughters who are well educated to deserve a ministerial appoint?
A ministerial appointment will guarantee that Dutse’s voice is heard at the federal level as the voices of other local government areas are being heard in the state.
A minister from Dutse can champion projects in the area in particular and the state as a whole, which will lead to even development in the state.
This will also encourage and activate patriotism in the people who felt marginalised. Dutse has many highly educated sons and daughters who the federal government can tap from their experiences to promote the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.
Addressing the issue of marginalisation in the state will promote national cohesion as it will be a demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to unity and equity.
Dutse has a reservoir of think-tanks that can contribute to sound socio-economic decision-making processes that will be necessary for achieving President’s hope agenda.
A federal minister from Dutse will amplify local voices and ensure that our voices are heard in the polity. This will build trust arising from the feeling of a sense of belonging.
In all, equal representation for Dutse in Jigawa State ensures fairness, even development, unity, and empowerment, and this will ultimately strengthen Nigeria’s federal system.
There is the need to write this piece because the people of Dutse have been waiting patiently for long in silence despite the marginalisation.Therefore, it’s high time President Tinubu addressed the neglect.
Given that Badaru is already representing the same area as Suwaiba, it’s only fair that Dutse gets a minister to balance the representation.
President Tinubu’s administration has been focusing on various policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy, anti-corruption war, high-level ministerial performance bond, and minimum wage implementation, I hope the welfare of the people of Dutse and their desire for representation would not be overlooked.
Furthermore, the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has been working to combat mass unemployment, articulate policies aimed at developing work programmes with labour-intensive potentials, and implement other policies to alleviate poverty. President Tinubu could consider appointing a minister from Dutse to oversee initiatives that benefit the country as people of Dutse have the potential to drive these policies to the desired level due to their industrious nature.
We note with great understanding that a federal minister works for the whole country but not a section, so requires highly qualified professionals, but we also note that ministers are picked from the 36 states of the federation because of fairness, even though competent professionals that can drive a president’s development agenda could be gotten from one state of the federation. So we need the same treatment in Jigawa state.
Mohammed Awwal writes from Dutse, Jigawa State, unbehalf of the concerned residents of Dutse.