By Milcah Tanimu
The North-Central Forum of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has intensified its call for the adoption of a regional system of government in Nigeria, citing persistent marginalization of the region as the primary motivation behind its stance.
Addressing journalists in Jos on Friday, Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, the president of the forum, underscored the urgent need for a governance framework that empowers each region to address its unique needs and harness its potential for development.
Zazzaga emphasized that the North-Central region, endowed with abundant educational resources, natural assets, political influence, and a thriving agricultural sector, has been consistently sidelined in national development efforts.
He lamented the region’s underutilized agricultural prowess, despite its status as the nation’s food basket, and highlighted the untapped potential of its rich natural resources, including tin and other minerals.
Moreover, Zazzaga decried the region’s perceived exclusion from political appointments and leadership positions, citing the recent contentious issue surrounding the APC national chairmanship position as a glaring example.
Against this backdrop, the North-Central APC Forum is advocating for the implementation of a regional system of government, which would decentralize power and enable each region to harness its resources for economic prosperity and social development.
Under this proposed system, Zazzaga outlined that the federal government would retain responsibility for crucial matters such as national security, foreign affairs, and interstate commerce regulation, while granting regions autonomy to govern their internal affairs.
The forum’s call for regional government reflects a growing sentiment among stakeholders in the North-Central region, who believe that such a governance structure would address longstanding grievances and empower the region to realize its full potential.
As the debate on Nigeria’s governance framework continues, the North-Central APC Forum remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the interests and aspirations of the region, with the aim of fostering inclusive development and equitable representation in national affairs.