The Council of Political Parties Chairmen of Nigeria (CPPCN) has voiced strong opposition to the appointment of Aliyu Tajudeen as the Mana...
The Council of Political Parties Chairmen of Nigeria (CPPCN) has voiced strong opposition to the appointment of Aliyu Tajudeen as the Managing Director of the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority (UNRBDA), describing the decision as a violation of constitutional principles of fairness and equity.
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna over the weekend, CPPCN spokesperson, Engr. Idris Musa called on the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to urgently review and address the situation to uphold balanced representation in federal appointments.
The controversy stems from conflicting announcements regarding the leadership of the UNRBDA. On October 30, 2024, a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, confirmed the appointment of Aliyu Tajudeen as the agency’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, effective from October 29, 2024, for a four-year tenure.
However, a subsequent release from the presidency, issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, listed Hon. Dangajere Shuaibu Bawa Jaja as the new MD/CEO of the same agency, along with the appointment of six executive directors. The conflicting announcements have generated confusion and fears of administrative gridlock within the agency responsible for water resources and rural infrastructure development in Nigeria.
Engr. Musa emphasised that the initial nomination and reported approval of Bawa Jaja should be respected, citing the importance of transparent and consistent leadership selection processes in public institutions. He warned that inconsistencies in appointments undermine public trust and risk sparking political discontent, especially in sensitive sectors like water resources management.
“We are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and relevant federal authorities to clarify this situation and ensure that appointments follow due process, reflect equity, and respect existing approvals,” Musa stated.
The CPPCN reiterated its commitment to upholding democratic values and fairness in governance and urged the Federal Character Commission to investigate the matter and prevent what it termed a breach of constitutional balance.
As the debate continues, stakeholders and observers are urging the government to swiftly resolve the ambiguity surrounding the UNRBDA leadership to avoid further administrative disruptions.
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