Youth coalition condemns terrorism in Niger, challenges the government regarding inclusiveness

The Coalition of the Northern Youth Forum of Niger, Zone “C”, is horrified by the activities of terrorists that have destroyed lives and properties in the state.

Coalition president Sahabi Auna revealed this to journalists during an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) in Minna over the weekend.

Auna noted that the economic development of the zone was most affected by the activities of terrorists and bandits; hence the need for the federal government to implement measures that will completely eliminate the insurgency to enable people to return to normal lives.

While praising the federal and state governments for their efforts to combat terrorists and other criminal elements in the area, he noted that more needs to be done to enable farmers to harvest their crops without injury.

The coalition also condemned the inequality in the appointments made so far by the state Governor, Umaru Bago, claiming that the governor only favored those from Zones A and B while neglecting Zone C, which it said gave the governor an unprecedented number of votes that brought him to power.

According to the coalition chairman, key decision-making positions such as governor, deputy governor, secretary of state (SSG), chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, chief of services, as well as heads of government agencies all came from zones A and B.

However, he suggested that political nomination, zoning arrangements and representation should be reconsidered.

Auna urged the governor to address the issue of inequality and inclusivity in his government to ensure that all zones of the state have a level playing field.

However, in response, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bologi Ibrahim stated that the appointments made by the current administration were balanced as there were more commissioners, special advisers and CEOs from Area C.

Ibrahim clarified that it was not true that the zone was neglected, adding that deliberations were still ongoing; it was therefore too early to cry over marginalization.