The Plateau protesters vowed to “occupy the streets and stay until our voices are heard” noting that the nomination would only benefit the corrupt political class and not the general interests of the people.
Some residents of Plateau State have said they are bacing up for protests in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to reject President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Mr. Cyril Tsenyil as the Managing Director of the newly established North Central Development Commission (NCDC).
The Plateau protesters vowed to “occupy the streets and stay until our voices are heard” noting that the nomination would only benefit the corrupt political class and not the general interests of the people.
In a statement made available to journalists in Jos, the state capital, the spokesperson of the Concerned Plateau Youth Forum, Danladi Pam, urged Tinubu to immediately withdraw the nomination.
The group alleged that Tsenyil’s appointment is politically influenced and does not reflect the collective interest of the people of Plateau State.
According to the statement, Tsenyil, who served as the Plateau State accountant-general during Senator Simon Lalong’s administration as governor, was nominated for the top position in the Commission through Lalong’s influence.
Pam said the nomination “smacks of favoritism, cronyism, and total disregard for competence and broad-based representation.”
The North Central Development Commission, recently established by the National Assembly, is tasked with coordinating and accelerating development in states within the region.
The youth group emphasised the need for merit-based appointments to avoid repeating the mistakes of similar commissions in the past.
They warned that proceeding with Tsenyil’s confirmation could spark broader dissent and erode public confidence in the new commission before it even begins operations.
“Mr. Tsenyil’s nomination is not only unpopular among Plateau people, but it is also an insult to the collective sensibilities of the North Central region,” he said.
“How can such a strategic and sensitive position be handed to someone simply because he served as an accountant to Senator Lalong? What were his records during his tenure as accountant? We are calling on President Tinubu to withdraw this nomination immediately and ensure a more inclusive, transparent process.”
The group further disclosed that it is preparing a formal protest letter to the leadership of the National Assembly, urging both the Senate and the House of Representatives to reject Tsenyil’s confirmation when his nomination comes up for screening.
“We are submitting a detailed petition to the National Assembly, highlighting why Mr. Tsenyil should not be confirmed. The North Central deserves better. We deserve a competent, visionary, and widely acceptable leader to steer the affairs of the Commission,” the spokesperson added.
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