MARGARET CHIDERA
ABUJA, Nigeria – As the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) undergoes a transition with a new Minister at the helm, a sense of apprehension is palpable among Northerners who hold key positions within various agencies.
This unease stems from concerns that former Governor Nyesom Wike, who is being appointed as the FCT Minister might prioritise adhering to the principle of Federal Character, a marked departure from the perceived lopsided appointments made by previous administrations.
The Federal Character principle, enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, aims to ensure balanced representation across the country’s diverse regions in governmental appointments and other spheres.
Historically, the FCT has witnessed appointments that have come under scrutiny for allegedly favouring one region over others, leading to a perception of inequality and regional bias.
Previous administrations had faced criticism for appointing individuals based on affiliations rather than merit, and this has contributed to a sense of exclusion among certain groups.
It could be recalled that the tenure of the immediate past Minister of FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, was characterised by a contentious issue that stirred both public discourse and controversy: the perceived lopsidedness of his appointments.
This was due to the fact that, as the administrative and political heart of Nigeria, the FCT’s appointments hold immense significance, which made Bello’s choices a focal point of scrutiny and debate.
Critics argued that Bello’s appointments resulted in a perceived skew towards certain regions, prompting concerns about regional balance and representation.
This perceived lopsidedness sparked criticism from various quarters, with some claiming that the appointments did not adequately reflect the diverse makeup of the nation and these concerns raised questions about the adherence to the Federal Character principle, which aims to ensure equitable representation across Nigeria’s regions in government appointments.
While proponents of Bello’s approach, however, contended that the appointments were as a result of a complex balancing act, they also argued that while Bello acknowledged the importance of regional representation, his foremost priority was to select individuals based on merit and competence.
For example, amongst the current heads of agencies in the FCT, the south has less than 30% representation in the leadership.
Also, in the appointments of Mandate Secretaries in the last administrations, less than the same percentage was recorded by southerners, while the rest of the positions were occupied by Northerners.
Meanwhile, in a climate of uncertainty, it has become a topic of concerns for everyone in the FCT about the approach the newly appointed Minister might take with regards to appointments, particularly in relation to the principle of Federal Character.
According to feelers, Northerners who currently hold key positions are wary of any moves that might disrupt their tenure, particularly as most of the appointments were perceived to be skewed in the past.
However, the fear that Wike, as the FCT Minister will insist on upholding the Federal Character principle, has sparked discussions and debates among Northerners heading agencies in the FCT. While some view this as a welcome change that could promote unity and inclusivity, others express apprehension about the potential impact on their positions and the balance of power.
Residents are not also left out as some are anxious that the Minister might prioritise personal affiliations or other considerations over adhering strictly to the Federal Character principle. This concern reflects a larger debate about the balance between competence and representation in public appointments. It remains to be seen how the new minister will approach these appointments.
The hope among some residents is that the Minister will strike a balance between the Federal Character principle and the need for qualified and capable individuals to lead in various capacities.
However, it’s essential to note that change often carries both challenges and opportunities. While apprehension is understandable, it’s possible that the Minister’s approach could lead to a more diverse and inclusive representation, fostering a greater sense of unity among the country’s diverse regions.
Balancing regional interests with competence in appointments remains a delicate task, and the Minister’s decisions will undoubtedly be scrutinized closely as they unfold.
As the FCT continues to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s governance and development, the actions and choices of the new Minister will have a far-reaching impact on the nation’s trajectory. While apprehension persists among Northerners heading agencies in the FCT, the unfolding narrative will shed light on whether the new administration can strike a balance between regional representation and competence in appointments.
