Northern group raise alarm over marginalization

The Northern Emancipation Network (NEN), on Wednesday, raised concerns about what they described as a deliberate attempt to marginalize Northern professionals within the administrative staff structure of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF). 

The group also believes that the act is being perpetuated by the Director-General of the NGF, A B Okauru, taking advantage of the complacent silence of the Nigerian Governors.

NAN, in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Haruna Ibrahim Anaruwa, urges the Nigerian Governors to thoroughly investigate the allegations raised against the DG and take appropriate action to rectify the situation.

NEN condemns the unjust treatment or unwarranted dismissal based on baseless claims and insists on strict adherence to due process. 

Anaruwa said: “The NEN is troubled by the reported unconventional appointment process that led to the tenure of the DG for the last fifteen years. It has come to our attention that the DG was screened and appointed outside due process and without due diligence, which is a clear abuse of constitutionalism, and disregard for the ordinary rules of decency. 

“This blatant violation undermines the credibility and integrity of the NGF and raises serious questions about the governance and decision-making processes within the Forum.

“Concerns have been raised about financial irregularities within the NGF suggesting that the Secretariat’s accounts have not been audited in the last decade, leading to questions about the misuse or misappropriation of funds. 

“This is particularly troubling considering the organization’s involvement in high-value monetary transactions such as the Paris-London refunds. It is essential that the NGF employs a qualified accountant and ensures transparency and accountability in its financial operations.

“The NEN calls upon the Nigerian Governors, as major stakeholders, to break their silence and address the issue of deliberate marginalization of Northern professionals in the staffing of the NGF. 

“It is important that the Forum operates on principles of fairness, transparency, and meritocracy to provide equal opportunities to all professionals, regardless of their geographic origin.”