…Cites Violation Of Commission’s Enabling Act
THE COALITION of Northern Groups (CNG), North-Central Zone, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the recent appointment of Mrs. Tomi Somefun as Managing Director of the Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), citing a violation of the commission’s enabling Act.
In a statement issued signed by Jubril Oche Ekwote, its North Central Coordinator, CNG expressed concern over what it described as a recurring pattern of excluding the North-Central region from key federal appointments, despite its electoral contributions to the current administration.
The CNG referenced Section 12(2)(a) of the HYPPADEC Act, 2010, which stipulates that the Managing Director must be an indigene of one of the commission’s member states, and that the position should rotate alphabetically among them.
The listed states include Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Plateau, Taraba, Gombe, Kaduna, and Nasarawa.
According to CNG, Oyo State, where Mrs. Somefun hails from, is not among them.
While acknowledging Mrs. Somefun’s professional competence, the group argued that her appointment contravenes the law and risks fuelling perceptions of marginalisation in the North-Central geopolitical zone.
The statement also called on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to intervene and ensure fair representation for the region in federal appointments.
“This is not a protest, but a patriotic appeal. We believe that redressing this appointment in accordance with the law will not only reflect fairness but will also deepen the trust of all Nigerians in your leadership and commitment to national unity.
“In the spirit of dialogue and nation-building, we call on President Tinubu to graciously revisit the appointment and consider a qualified candidate from one of the member states of HYPPADEC as stipulated by law.
“Should this matter remain unaddressed, we may be compelled — in a peaceful and democratic manner — to engage further through legitimate channels, including petitions to the National Assembly and lawful demonstrations, to draw attention to this constitutional deviation.
“We remain hopeful that Your Excellency will listen to the voices of reason, legality, and unity,” the CNG stated.
Below is the full text of the statement, entitled: “A Passionate Appeal for Equity and Constitutional Adherence in the Appointment of HYPPADEC MD”
“The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), North Central Zone, wishes to respectfully draw the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to growing concerns over recent federal appointments, particularly the appointment of Mrs. Tomi Somefun from Oyo State as the Managing Director of the Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC).
“As patriotic stakeholders deeply committed to the unity, peace, and equitable development of our nation, we express deep concern over what appears to be a pattern of appointments that neglect the North Central region, despite its significant contributions to the electoral success of the present administration.
“Your Excellency, we appeal that this recent appointment be revisited in light of the legal framework establishing HYPPADEC. The HYPPADEC Act, 2010, in Part IV, Section 12, Subsection 2(a), clearly provides that the Managing Director of the Commission shall be an indigene of one of the member states of the Commission, and that the tenure of such appointment should rotate among these states in alphabetical order. As it stands, Oyo State is not among the listed member states, which currently include Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Plateau, and, most recently, Taraba, Gombe, Kaduna, and Nasarawa (as expanded under the 2023 Electricity Act).
“Therefore, while we hold nothing personal against Mrs. Somefun and appreciate her professional achievements, we respectfully submit that her appointment is inconsistent with the enabling Act and may inadvertently create perceptions of exclusion, particularly in the North Central zone, which has continued to face systemic underrepresentation in critical national assignments.
“Furthermore, we humbly appeal to our own respected son and leader, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to rise to the occasion. As a key figure in the decision-making architecture of this administration, his voice and guidance are essential in ensuring that the interests of the North Central are not overlooked in matters of national importance.
“This is not a protest, but a patriotic appeal. We believe that redressing this appointment in accordance with the law will not only reflect fairness but will also deepen the trust of all Nigerians in your leadership and commitment to national unity.
“In the spirit of dialogue and nation-building, we call on President Tinubu to graciously revisit the appointment and consider a qualified candidate from one of the member states of HYPPADEC as stipulated by law.
“Should this matter remain unaddressed, we may be compelled — in a peaceful and democratic manner — to engage further through legitimate channels, including petitions to the National Assembly and lawful demonstrations, to draw attention to this constitutional deviation.
“We remain hopeful that Your Excellency will listen to the voices of reason, legality, and unity.
“Signed:
“Jubril Oche Ekwote
“North Central Coordinator, Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG)“
