…The North Will Not Be Subdued in Appointive Positions

The attention of Arewa Women for Good Governance and Leadership (AWGGL), an umbrella body of women in leadership positions and the private sector from the 19 Northern States and Abuja, has been drawn to the unethical, biased, unprofessional manner, and regional conspiracy against the North in the removal of Dr. Muheeba Dankaka as Chairperson of the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

This occurred just days after her reappointment for another 5-year term was announced by Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson to the President. Congratulations and jubilations poured in from across the region, including a congratulatory message from the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu Gambari, to Mr. President—only for the decision to be reversed hours later, replacing her with Ayo Omidiran, a former House of Representatives member from the Southwest.

In a press release signed by the National Coordinator, Hajia Hannatu Bilbis Muhammed, and General Secretary, Barr. Binta Yakubu Bello, the duo condemned the removal in its entirety, describing it as a ploy to malign, marginalize, and subdue Northern women, who are known as peace ambassadors. They called on every right-thinking Northerner in positions of authority under the present administration to be vigilant of government activities, rise up, and condemn this injustice against the region and Dr. Dankaka, in particular.

It will be recalled that Dr. Muheeba Dankaka, successfully completed her first tenure, transforming the Commission, despite a gang-up spearheaded by a former Southwest governor, who used federal commissioners from Osun and Lagos States to undermine her leadership. Recently, she was granted another 5-year extension by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, only to be removed hours after the announcement—a move that sent shockwaves across Northern women due to its suddenness and regional undertones.

In a terse statement, the National Coordinator, urged the President to reinstate Dr. Dankaka, citing her tireless efforts for his electoral success in 2023. She campaigned vigorously across the 19 Northern states, mobilizing women and youths to vote massively for the Tinubu candidacy, while investing significant personal and family resources. The group called on Northern Senators, House of Representatives members, women, and youths, to join this clarion call, viewing the removal as a calculated conspiracy to deny the region its rightful representation, despite its voting power and population.

According to sources, Dr. Dankaka’s removal was orchestrated by a former Osun State governor and a Minister, with the active participation of another Southwest ex-governor who believes they can act with impunity under this administration without the President’s knowledge. The ex-governor in question is allegedly positioning allies in authority ahead of a planned return to office.

The AWGGL emphasized that every region is important, noting that the President’s victory was secured by collective votes from all regions, not just the Southwest. They warned against the lopsided allocation of lucrative appointments to the Southwest at the expense of other regions, stressing that this trend must stop immediately, if the President intends to retain support for the 2027 elections.

The group also highlighted imbalances in the Civil Service Commission (CSC), where Southwest officials dominate leadership, while the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation is from the South. The North, they argued, should rightfully head the Federal Character Commission to ensure equity, fairness, and justice, yet another Southwest appointee was named, further marginalizing the North.

The AWGGL leadership hereby calls on Mr. President, the First Lady of Nigeria, All women of conscience, to pressure the administration to correct this injustice and reinstate Dr. Muheeba Dankaka as FCC Chairperson. Failure to do so within the next 7 days, will compel the group to: Lead a protest march to the National Assembly, Aso Rock Villa, and other government organs. Demand that all Northern appointees resign en masse to amplify their grievances.

“Enough is enough.”