North-Central Agenda backs Tinubu over emergence Yilwatda, Adeniyi’s tenure extension

… Urges judicious use of allocation in states

A Socio-Political group in the North-Central region on the platform of The North-Central Agenda has thrown weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the recent emergence of Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and the tenure elongation granted Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Bashir Adeniyi.

The group, led by Dr. Ene Ogbole, also challenged political leaders in the North-Central, especially the Governors to judiciously make us of the increase in the allocation to their state for the benefit of the poor and vulnerable in the zone.

Addressing a press conference Thursday in Abuja, Chairperson of the group, Dr. Ogbole said her organisation will ensure that some of the challenges facing the region, which include; unemployment, poor education, insecurity, drug addiction, kidnapping, and political thuggery, among others would receive attention in the efforts to promote and defend the interest of the zone, and the country in general.

According to her, The North-Central Agenda’s initiative became necessary in view of the fact that the people of the North Central Zone, have in recent history, been subjected to unimaginable level of endless human agony and disaster, ranging from socio-economic, political, and worst of all, security crisis that has almost brought the region to her knees.

“It is heart-warming and reassuring to know that, while the prevailing challenges are resolute in ensuring that our region is reduced to the worst level of hardship and insecurity ever experienced in our political history, however, we are consoled by the surge in current national revenue, has presented leverages opportunities to all tiers of government to respond swiftly and adequately to the socio-economic, political and security needs of the North Central people and other regions of the country.

“Our intervention focuses on massive social advocacy to encourage all stakeholders, both within and outside government, from top to bottom on the use of available resources for the development of the zone.

“It is worthy of note to mention unequivocally that our group is working overtime to recreate and promote government /citizen partnerships through gradually restoring their hope and confidence in government policies, programs and reforms that are targeted at uplifting the well-being and living standard of the people also bearing in mind that the buy-in, participation and partnership of the electorate is sacrosanct if a government must succeed.

“We have been in the business of conscientizing our youths and women of existing government initiatives, policies and programmes that are targeted at uplifting the well-being and living standard of our people and by so doing bridging the gap between the government and her citizens.

“Furthermore, we are creating massive and unrelenting awareness on the concept of separation of powers and the constitutional mandate of the three tiers of government, the federal, state, and local government and the obligations of our citizens.

“Similarly, we wish to once again deploy this avenue to appeal to our political gladiators across party lines to immediately desist from heating up the polity in national interest, peace, decorum, and tranquillity to pave way for broad based national development. We advise that all hands should be on deck regardless of party affiliation as we struggle to surmount this phase of global economic meltdown that has grossly devastated all economies around the world. It is our duty to let politicians know that patriotism is not about seek for power at all cost, it is about supporting those in government whether we like them or not to achieve the ultimate goal of delivering the dividends of democracy the people especially the poor and the vulnerable.”

While asking Nigerians, especially the opposition politicians to eschew bitterness and support the incumbent administrators for the betterment of country, the group said: “We deeply appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for appointing Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as the National Chairman of the Ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). It is considered a step in the right direction as we are certain that the young professor will bring to bear contemporary ideas that will move the party forward in the right direction to be able to deliver the dividend of democracy to our people.

“In conclusion, and very importantly, we wish to extend our profound gratitude to Mr president once again for the wisdom he has displayed by extending the tenure of the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

“The extension underscores the unprecedented milestone in revenue generation, revolutionary and world class initiatives, reforms, and sanity the NCS is enjoying under the Adewale Bashir Adeniyi led Nigeria Customs Service.”