The Shani APC Youth Caucus, a political pressure group in Borno State, Nigeria, has expressed concerns regarding Governor Babagana Zulum’s selection process for government appointments, particularly concerning individuals from their community, Shani. While acknowledging the governor’s efforts to ensure representation from all local governments in his cabinet, the group criticizes his reliance on a limited circle of advisors whose interests, they argue, do not align with the broader will of the Shani people. This narrow consultation process, they claim, has resulted in the exclusion of many qualified and capable individuals from Shani from participating in the state’s governance.
The group’s chairman, Ali Abubakar Gora, emphasized the importance of wider consultations involving all relevant stakeholders when considering appointments of Shani indigenes. Such an inclusive approach, they believe, would ensure that the diverse voices, interests, and concerns of the community are heard and considered, ultimately leading to the selection of the most suitable candidates. They believe that this would guarantee adequate representation for Shani and prevent the marginalization of qualified individuals due to the governor’s reliance on a select few advisors. The call for greater inclusivity reflects the group’s desire to see a more representative government that truly serves the interests of all segments of the Shani community.
Despite their reservations about the appointment process, the Shani APC Youth Caucus acknowledges and commends Governor Zulum’s significant achievements in various sectors, including health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, water resources, housing, and commerce. They recognize his commitment to rebuilding and restoring the state, evident in the visible progress made across these areas. This acknowledgement underscores the group’s balanced approach, recognizing the positive strides made by the governor while simultaneously advocating for improvements in the appointment process. They appreciate the governor’s dedication to improving the lives of citizens across the state and acknowledge the positive impact of his leadership and vision.
The group’s statement highlights the importance of a collaborative approach to governance. By emphasizing the need for broader consultations, they are advocating for a system that values diverse perspectives and ensures that all voices are heard. This collaborative approach, they argue, is essential for selecting the best candidates for government positions and ensuring that all communities within Borno State feel adequately represented and have a stake in the state’s development. The call for collaboration extends beyond the appointment process, reflecting a broader desire for a more participatory and inclusive governance structure.
The Shani APC Youth Caucus’s statement serves as a constructive critique of the governor’s appointment process, offering specific recommendations for improvement while simultaneously acknowledging the positive contributions he has made to the state. Their appeal for greater inclusivity is not a rejection of the governor’s leadership but rather a plea for a more representative and collaborative approach to governance that benefits all citizens of Borno State, especially those from the Shani community. The group’s respectful tone and specific recommendations demonstrate their commitment to working with the governor to achieve these goals.
In essence, the Shani APC Youth Caucus’s statement underscores the importance of inclusivity and representation in governance. While they applaud the governor’s efforts in various sectors, they urge him to adopt a more inclusive approach to appointments, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are consulted and that the best candidates are chosen to serve the people of Borno State. Their call for wider consultations reflects a desire for a more participatory and democratic process that truly reflects the will of the people and fosters a sense of shared ownership in the state’s progress. The group’s constructive critique serves as a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue about good governance and citizen participation in Borno State.
