A group of people of Yoruba extraction under the auspices of Yoruba For United Nigeria, (YFUN) has urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to sideline any geopolitical zone in the allocation of principal positions in the soon-to-be inaugurated 9th session of the national assembly.
According to spokesman of the group, Comrade Adegoke Akanji, each of the three predominant tribes in Nigeria: Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba must be given equal consideration in the allocation of offices in the Senate and House of Representatives.
While making reference to Section 14(3) of the Nigerian constitution, the activist stressed that it will not only be unfair and undemocratic but unconstitutional to have government positions dominated by one tribe at the detriment of others, adding that government must be sensitive to the cultural, religious and ethnic diversity of Nigeria.
While admonishing the political class not to polarize the country because of selfish ambitions, the group urged President Muhammadu Buhari to stand up against marginalization of any tribe for the sake of national well being.
Addressing a cross-section of online journalists in Akure on Wednesday, Akanji called on the newly elected and returning members of the National assembly to thread with caution in the appointment of its principal officers, adding that the new leadership must be general accepted in order to build a harmonious working relationship with executive and judiciary arms of government.
He said, “after keenly following the narratives in view of the zoning arrangements by the APC for principal positions in the 9th National Assembly , we have decided to speak out against the injustice meted out to the South East region.
” Despite not holding brief for Ndigbo, as advocates of a united Nigeria, we are disturbed with the marginalization of the South East in the allocation of principal positions in the 9th National Assembly.
“Nigeria is made of Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa and as such, all ethnic groups deserve equal consideration.
” The APC in the interest of national peace and unity, should correct the imbalance in the allocation of positions in the 9th assembly so as to reflect federal character.
“It is only when there is geographical balance and spread in appointments that Nigeria will witness progress and prosperity.
” Nigeria is bigger than a few individuals”
The activist, who called on constructive engagements among Nigerians, stressed that the incoming leadership of the 9th National Assembly must be ready to build a cordial relationship with the executive arm of government for development to thrive in the country.
The group while calling on the top echelon of the APC to correct the anomalies in the zoning arrangements, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his efforts in repositioning the country.
