APC Delta South decries marginalisation in ministerial nominations

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta South Senatorial District Forum has raised concerns over what it perceives as a disregard for the equitable principle of zoning in the state in the nomination of ministers by President Bola Tinubu.

In a press statement on Saturday, the forum expressed concern over the recent nomination of ministerial candidates and the impending gubernatorial election, both of which seemingly favor the Central Senatorial District.

The statement drew attention to the constitutional provisions enshrined in Section 14(3) and (4), which emphasize the importance of fair representation in government to promote national unity and diversity.

The forum pointed out that the Central Senatorial District has held ministerial positions consecutively from 2019 to 2023, which contravenes the principle of rotating positions among the senatorial districts.

“It is crucial that the composition of the Government of the Federation and its agencies reflects the federal character of Nigeria.

“There must be no predominance of individuals from specific states or ethnic groups, as this goes against the essence of our national unity,” the forum said.

The group expressed disappointment that both ministerial nominees from Delta State hail from the Central Senatorial District, along with the state party chairman and the governorship candidate.

This concentration of key positions in a single district is seen as marginalizing the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Isoko communities.

Chief Lucky J. Esigie, Chairman of the Isoko group within the forum, Amb Felix Datuowei, Co-chairman representing the Ijaw, and Mr. Evans Omatsoguwa, Co-chairman for the Itsekiri community, jointly urged President Tinubu to address what they deem “unjustifiable marginalization” of the Delta South communities.