Fulani Group Accuses Plateau LG Chairman Of Marginalisation

A group under the aegis of Concerned Fulani Residents of Riyom LGA has accused the Chairman of Riyom Local Government Council, Hon. Sati Shuwa, of marginalisation in the appointment of his political aides.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its Chairman, Abdullahi Yusuf, the group expressed disappointment over what it described as a lopsided exercise, alleging that out of 235 Senior Special Assistants (SSA) and Special Assistants (SA) appointed by the council boss, only six are Muslims and Fulani.

The statement, titled “Concerns over marginalisation of Fulani and Muslim community in appointments in Riyom LGA amidst escalating insecurity”, said the imbalance was a clear act of discrimination and underrepresentation of the Fulani and Muslim community, who it noted were among the law-abiding electorate in the area.

“It is both unfair and unjust that in a democratic system, where all citizens contribute to governance, one community is deliberately sidelined in public appointments,” the group stated.

“This development also represents a regrettable misplacement of priorities at a time when Riyom LGA is grappling with unprecedented insecurity. Instead of inclusivity and fairness that could strengthen trust and unity, our voices and representation have once again been silenced in the corridors of local governance.”

The group further described the imbalance as “a deliberate act of political discrimination which undermines unity, peacebuilding, and inclusive governance,” insisting that the Fulani and Muslim community deserve fair representation in every decision-making process, especially in appointments funded with public resources.

It also faulted what it called “an unusually large number of political aides,” saying scarce public funds should have been channelled into strengthening security and addressing the root causes of violence in the council area.

The group called on the Plateau State Government, civil society organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and prevail on the council Chairman to review the appointments in the interest of equity.

It stressed that only inclusive governance can guarantee peace, fairness, and harmony among the diverse ethnic and religious communities in Riyom LGA.