joshuaNCYC LAMENTS MARGINALIZATION, AGITATE FOR NORTH CENTRAL PRESIDENCY
By Ahiaba Douglas, Abuja
Youth from the North central geopolitical Zones of Nigeria under the auspices of the North central Youth Council, (NCYC) has decried Socio-Economics and Political Marginalization of the Zone.
The group accused the Nigerian Government of Neglect, deprivation, levity and above all not given the Zone a sense of belonging in the Current political arrangements.
The group said the Continues Marginalization of the region inspite of it Contribution to the Socio-Economic and political developments of the Country by it leaders both past and present was unacceptable, and further demanded for a fair and equitable distribution of the Political and economic largesse both in appointment, allocation of resources and most importantly, the sighting of Government projects, bemoaning the absence of federal government Presence in the Zone.
The above was the Collective Message of the group drawn from Six States and the federal Capital Territory that made up the North central geopolitical Zone at the formal Inuaguration of it Executives and State Coordinators , held at the Cyprian Ekwesi Center for Art and Culture, Area 10 Garki Abuja.
Speaking to the press in an exclusive interview, the President of the Council, Activist Sunday Asuku said the group was ready to explore all the necessary avenue within the Context of the law to draw the attention of the Federal Government to urgently address Some of the imbalances and grievances expressed above, pointing out that inspite of the Challenges faced by the People of the North central geopolitical Zone, the Zone is yet to have a development Commission as their Counterparts in other Zones.
The Activist asserted that, the North central geopolitical Zone must as a matter of grave Concern brass up and agitate for the Nation’s Presidency when power Shall be returning to the North, adding that as Part of Northern region the North central is yet to assume the Nation Presidency, further Stressing that for the Zone to Catch up with other Zones of the Country politically, economically and other wise , it should be allowed to Produce the Nation’s next President after the South must have Completed 8 years.
Also Speaking, the Benue State Coordinator, Comrade. Ingule Mathew Sughter emphasized the apolitical nature of the North central Youth Council, underscoring it as a pressure group that intends to influence and direct Government policy decisions that directly or indirectly affect the North central geopolitical Zone be it Socio-Political, economical and educational.
Reacting to question from journalists on their decision on how to takle Some of the Security Challenges affecting the Zone, Specifically, the farmers headers Clashes which has rendered many Communities homeless in Some States particularly,Benue , Kogi and Nasarawa State with Niger also greatly affected by activities of Bandits and the religious Crisis in plateau State respectively, the Benue State Coordinator said they will Continue to engage the Government and relevant Stakeholders to see how the farmers headers Clash Could be resolved, and that they would also Continues to pressure the Government to Come out with policies and actions that Could be helpful towards finding a lasting Solution to the various forms of insecurity in the North central geopolitical Zone.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Governor on Ward matters, Hon. Mohammed Eneji Commended the group for their Selflessness, and Painstaking efforts Which birthed a formidable pressure group that was Committed to Championing the Course of the Zone for the realization of their Collective dreams, he described the formation of the North central Youth Council as apt, timely and a welcome development.
Continuing, the Senior Special Assistant further maintained that individuals from the North central geopolitical Zone had Contributed immensely by providing robust leadership for the Country even at trying times in all Organs of Government, he lamented that, inspite all her Contributions to the Peace, Unity and development of the Country, the region has suffered huge Marginalization under the Current democratic dispensation.
Also Speaking, the Deputy president of the Council, Comrade.franca Francis assured that she was going to use her Current status to advocate for gender equality, Women empowerment and also fight against Marginalization and Violence against women in the North central geopolitical Zone.
