Some civil society organisations under the umbrella body of Civil Rights Action for Democracy, have said the North Central should be compensated for its loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with the position of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
National coordinator of the group, Dr. Andrew Idoko, who addressed journalists in Abuja, however said the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, should also not ignore competence and dedication to the party in making his decision.
Idoko, who suggested Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State for the position, said the North Central region was instrumental to the success of the APC in the February 25 presidential elections.
He said, “A lot has been said about the zoning arrangement of the APC with regard to balancing along the lines of religion and ethnicity. This has indeed generated a discourse in the polity. As it stands, all regions in the country have been identified and earmarked for leadership positions, but the North Central.
“As a body devoted to the ideals of democracy, it is our view that the North Central region was instrumental to the success of the APC in the presidential elections.’’ The leadership acumen of the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman of the Presidential Campaign Council was also instrumental to the party’s overall success despite the numerous hurdles that were before it.
“Governor Simon Lalong displayed a rare leadership style that emphasized competence and dedication to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. His plans and programs, even as the governor of Plateau State in the last eight years, speak volumes of a man on a mission to contribute to the country’s socioeconomic development.
“It is also common knowledge that the country is desirous of such individuals who are passionate and committed to democracy and sustainable growth and development.
“It is our opinion that the APC as a party must, as a matter of urgency and necessity, encourage such credible leaders to continue to contribute their quota to the development of Nigeria through ways and means possible.
“The APC as a party must also ensure that the North Central region is adequately compensated for loyalty and dedication to the party as exemplified during and after the general elections in the country.
“One of the ways this could be achieved is the appointment of Governor Simon Lalong as the Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF) to reward the North Central region for their loyalty all the while and also to tap into his wealth of experience in our quest for sustainable growth and development.
“It must be stated that having Governor Simon Lalong as the SGF would go a long way in addressing the concerns of the North Central region with regard to inclusion in governance on the heels that the proposed leadership of the National Assembly didn’t accommodate the North Central region for inexplicable reasons.
“The implication of a non-action in this regard is that the APC as a party does not regard the numerous contribution of the North Central to its electoral success. Despite the stiff opposition to the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the APC, the North Central rallied support and voted massively for the APC.
“This indicates absolute loyalty and the dexterity of Governor Simon Lalong to ensure that all hands were on deck to bring about the needed electoral victory for the party.
“The Civil Rights Action for Democracy is using this occasion to call on the leadership of the APC to do all that is necessary to include the North Central in the scheme of affairs as the incoming administration takes shape.
“Let us emphasize that the suitability of Governor Simon Lalong as the SGF cannot be overemphasized. He is a dedicated and hardworking party leader who worked tirelessly and round the clock to ensure the party’s victory at the polls.”
