Political parties chairmen kick against Upper Niger River Basin MD appointment

From Noah Ebije

The Council of Political Parties Chairmen of Nigeria (CPPCN) has expressed strong opposition to the recent appointment of Aliyu Tajudeen as the Managing Director of the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority (UNRBDA), arguing that it contravenes the constitutional principles of fairness, particularly in light of the initial approval of Hon. Shuaibu Bawa Jaja for the same position.

Addressing a press conference over the weekend in Kaduna, the spokesperson of CPPCN, Engr. Idris Musa, called on the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to intervene in the appointment to ensure fairness, equity, and balanced representation in federal appointments.

The controversy stems from President Bola Tinubu’s initial appointment of Aliyu Tajudeen as MD/CEO of UNRBDA, announced on October 30, 2024, through a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, effective from October 29, 2024, for a four-year term.

However, a subsequent announcement named Dangajere Shuaibu Bawa Jaja as MD/CEO of the same authority, alongside six executive directors, as disclosed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. This dual appointment has sparked confusion and raised concerns about administrative conflicts within the agency responsible for Nigeria’s water resources development.