The All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has called for the adoption of a regional system of government in Nigeria, advocating for each region to manage its own needs using its natural resources, educational strengths, political capabilities, and agricultural potential.
The forum emphasized that this call has become necessary due to the marginalization of the North Central region.
‘This statement was made by the forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, during a press briefing in Jos, the Plateau State Capital, on Friday, concerning what he described as “issues of urgent national importance.”
‘This statement was made by the forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Mandung Zazzaga, during a press briefing in Jos, the Plateau State Capital, on Friday, concerning what he described as “issues of urgent national importance.”
Zazzaga highlighted that the North Central region has significantly contributed to the nation in various areas, including agriculture, education, natural resources, and political influence, leading to the rise of national leaders. Despite these contributions, the region has faced years of marginalization.
Politically, the chairman noted, the North Central region has been overlooked.
He pointed out that the region is the nation’s food basket, particularly with agricultural produce from states such as Benue, Plateau, Niger, and Kogi.
However, the potential of their agricultural strength has not been fully utilized at the national level to ensure food security for the region.
Additionally, Zazzaga mentioned that the region possesses natural resources like tin and other endowments which could support its economic needs.
Yet, these resources have not been effectively harnessed for the economic prosperity of the people.
He also remarked on the region’s contributions to the growth of democracy since the democratic dispensation in 1999, including the emergence of many national leaders and presidents.
Despite this, the region has faced political marginalization, as seen in the recent controversial decision to appoint the APC National Chairman from the North West instead of the North Central.
“So, after careful consideration of how marginalized we have been in this nation despite our endowments and contributions to national development, we, the North Central APC Forum, are calling for the regional system of government.
“Since the regional system of government is a political framework where power is divided among constituent political units, such as regions or states, we are, therefore, calling for the adoption of such a system so that each region in the nation can use its endowments to develop themselves without any fear of marginalization.
“Meanwhile, the federal government would still be responsible for matters such as national security, foreign affairs, and regulation of interstate or inter-region commerce, while the regions would have powers to administer their respective regions,” he said.
According to Zazzaga, their mission is to uplift the North Central Zone by initiating political and economic activities that benefit the region.
They are committed to driving progress until they achieve favorable results.
Zazzaga emphasized that, as dedicated APC leaders, they have been working for the success of the North Central region.
They have collaborated with leaders from other parties and regional stakeholders, regardless of ethno-religious or political affiliations.
He explained that using their forum to advocate for the North Central region is legitimate, noting that even governors, legislators, and local government chairmen have party or regional forums to advance their common interests.
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