The Arewa Youths for the Sustenance of Democracy and Good Governance, AYSDGG, has expressed concern over the appointment of Lawal Sama’ila Abdullahi Yakawada as Chairman of All Boards of Commissions under the Federal Ministry of Regional Development by the Minister, Engr. Abubakar Momoh.
The group said the appointment was not in line with the Act that established the Development Commissions, stressing the need to adhere strictly to the law.
Coordinator of the group, Engineer Aliyu Musa Aliyu, flanked by the secretary, Lawal Abdullahi and other officials, kicked against the appointment at a press conference in Bauchi on Monday.
Aliyu explained that the Commissions were created by law, and until the Act is amended by the National Assembly, there is no authority to go outside the provisions that established them.
He further noted that the appointment of the Chairman of Regional Development Commissions should follow proper legal and constitutional procedures, adding that any other method may not align with the requirements of the Constitution and the enabling Acts.
According to him, making such appointment gives the impression that the minister is taking over the roles of the President and National Assembly under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and may also go against the principles of separation of powers and due process.
Aliyu added that the enabling laws clearly stated that appointment powers rest with the President, subject to Senate confirmation, and not with the minister.
He therefore called on stakeholders including the National Assembly, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, security agencies, the media and Civil Society Organisations to work together in ensuring that the Development Commissions continue to play their role of providing relief and rebuilding the regions without unnecessary distractions.
Aliyu urged the minister to reconsider the decision in line with the law, warning that otherwise, the group may be compelled to seek redress through legal means.
He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to intervene and guide the minister appropriately, as a way of upholding the rule of law.
