Central Taraba group cry out over marginalization of zone
A coalition of civil societies and political blocks in Central Senatorial Zone of Taraba State under the auspicis of Taraba Central Frontiers (TCF) has raised the alarm over marginalization of the Central zone in political appointments both at the state and federal levels.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Jalingo, and signed by Mark Laisin, Alhaji Bakare Dorofi, and Haruna Yahaya, the Group regretted that despite working hard and been the strongest hold of the APC in the state, there is little to show as benefits or reward in return for their consistent loyalty.
They urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to break the near Three decade jinx and appoint someone from the zone as a Minister in his cabinet so as not to kill the morale of the people who have consistently worked hard for the success of the party.
Gentlemen, let me quickly draw your attention to a very sad development that has been going on since the return to Democracy in 1999. We have Twelve Ministers from Taraba since 1999 till date and Eight of them are from the Southern Zone. They are . Gen. T.Y. Danjuma from Takum LG, Alh. Idiris Waziri from Ibi LG, Mrs Salomi Jankada from Donga LG, Mr. Obadia Ando from Takum LG, Mr Alhasan Zaku from Ibi LG, Mr. Joel Danlami Ikenya from Wukari LG and Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku from Takum LG and now Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu from Donga.
“We also have Four Ministers from the Northern Zone and they are Dr. Muhammed Shatta from Karim Lamido LG, the late Sen Aisha Jummai Alhassan from Jalingo LG, Eng. Sale Mamman from Jalingo LG and Hon Muazu Jaji Sambo from Jalingo LG.
“Meanwhile, we don’t have a single minister from the Central Zone that has become the home of APC in Taraba State. Let me remind you that bulk of votes for the APC in Taraba at both state and federal elections come from Taraba Central Zone.
“This injustice and marginalization is not just in terms Ministerial appointments. In Twenty Four Years, we Eight Ministers appointed from Southern Taraba, Four Deputy Governors from the same zone and Two successive Executive Governors H.E Darius Dickson Ishaku who just finished Eight Years from the zone and now H.E Dr Kefas Agbu currently serving.
“The Northern zone has H.E Rev. Jolly T. Nyame as Governor 10 Years, Alh. Garba Umar (UTC) as Deputy/Acting Governor, H.E Alh. Sani Abubakar Danladi also as Deputy/Acting Governor, H.E Alh. Kirim Idiris Iliyasu Currently the Deputy Governor. They also have 5 Ministers appointed from Northern Zone including the awaiting nominee (H.E Sani Abubakar Danladi).
“Meanwhile, the Central Senatorial Zone has the Late H.E Pharm. Danbaba Danfulani Suntai from Bali who died before the end of his tenure as Governor and H.E Eng. Haruna Manu immediate past Deputy Governor. No Ministerial Appointment for the zone in 24 Years.
“Let me quickly remind us that the central zone was the first geopolitical zone in the state to identify with the All Progressives Congress APC and has since remain the area where APC garners more votes for all presidential elections since the inception of the party 2015.
“This zone boast of very capable hands such as Alhaji Hassan Jika Ardo who pioneered the APC in Taraba, the likes of Senator Yusuf A. Yusuf, among several others. The question is, why are they not considered? Is the zone only good for producing edging votes but not for enjoying appointments? This is really sad and should be corrected.
“It is our sincere hope and prayer that our amiable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will break this spell and duly reward this Zone by considering one of our sons for Ministerial slot in the interest of justice and fairness” they concluded.