A group, Northern Emancipation Network (NEN) has claimed that northern professionals are not engaged in the secretariat of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
It asked the Nigerian governors to investigate the allegations levelled against the director-general of the NGF, A. B. Okauru and take appropriate action to address them.
The group particularly drew attention to the unjust “treatment of Abdulrazaque Bello Barkindo” and questioned the appointment process of the DG.
Through its secretary-general, Haruna Ibrahim Anaruwa, the group expressed concern over the marginalisation of northern professionals within the administrative staff structure of the NGF.
It warned that failure to address these concerns would perpetuate a culture of impunity and further deepen the marginalisation of northern professionals in the forum.
The group vowed to resist such outcomes.
In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, Anaruwa said NEN is a committed advocate for the rights and fair treatment of northern professionals in all segments of society and would continue to monitor the situation to ensure justice and equal opportunities for all.
He said, “NEN believes that this act of impunity is being perpetuated by the director-general of the NGF, A. B. Okauru, taking advantage of the complacent silence of the Nigerian governors. NEN firmly supports Barkindo and condemns any unjust treatment or unwarranted dismissal based on baseless claims, insisting on the strict adherence to due process.
“Furthermore, NEN is troubled by the reported unconventional appointment process that led to the tenure of the DG for the last 15 years.
“It has come to our attention that the DG was screened and appointed outside due process and without due diligence, 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,” Anaruwa said.
