Members of the Ane-Igala Socio-Cultural Association from Kogi East Senatorial District, predominantly of Igala descent, have expressed their collective displeasure and outright rejection of the recently announced constitution of the Board of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC).
In a letter signed by the Secretary of the association, Akwu Umar Goodman, the group condemned what they described as the deliberate exclusion of their people from a matter vital to the development and representation of the North Central zone, a region to which they belong politically, geographically, and historically.
According to Goodman, “During the 2023 general elections, the Igala people of Kogi East stood firmly with you. We delivered one of the highest bloc votes in the entire state demonstrating our faith in your leadership and our belief in a renewed hope. Yet, since the beginning of this administration, we have found ourselves entirely marginalized. No significant federal appointments have been extended to our people, and no single federal project, either initiated, ongoing, or completed, can be identified in our zone.”
He further stated, “This recent composition of the NCDC Board has added salt to an already open wound. How could an entire ethnic group with such a massive population and historic contributions to national development and stability be excluded without any explanation or justification?”
The letter continued: “We ask with pain in our hearts: What is our offense.Why are we continuously sidelined"
“The Igala people have always contributed immensely to Nigeria’s unity, politics, and progress. We have never asked for more than our fair share, yet we are treated as if we do not matter. This continuous pattern of marginalization and suppression is unacceptable and unbefitting of the democratic ideals Your Excellency upholds.”
The association, therefore, demanded the immediate cancellation and review of the current NCDC Board composition. They urged the President to initiate a fresh and inclusive selection process that ensures fair representation of all ethnic groups in the North Central region particularly the Igala.
They further recommended that an Igala son or daughter be considered for the position of Chairman or Secretary of the Commission, as a step toward addressing the glaring imbalance.
“We believe in your vision for a united and inclusive Nigeria, and we trust that you will not allow the voice of millions of loyal citizens from Kogi East to go unheard,” the letter concluded.
