Plateau youths reject Tinubu’s nominee for NCDC MD, plan protest in Abuja

The Concerned Plateau Youth Forum, a Plateau-based group, has rejected Cyril Tsenyil’s nomination as the managing director of the newly established North Central Development Commission (NCDC).

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Danladi Pam, the group’s spokesperson, called on President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the nomination, describing it as politically motivated and lacking broad-based support in Plateau state.

Tsenyil, a former accountant-general of Plateau, served in the administration of Simon Lalong when he was the governor of the state.

Pam alleged that his nomination was largely influenced by the former governor.

“This nomination smacks of favouritism, cronyism, and total disregard for competence and regional inclusion,” he said.

The NCDC was recently established by the national assembly to fast-track development across the north-central region.

The group’s spokesperson warned that retaining Tsenyil’s nomination could spark widespread dissent and erode public trust in the commission.

“Mr. Tsenyil’s nomination is not only unpopular among Plateau people, but it is also an insult to the collective sensibilities of the North Central region,” he added.

“How can such a strategic and sensitive position be handed to someone simply because he served as an accountant to Senator Lalong? What were his records during that time?”

Pam said the group is preparing a formal protest letter to the leadership of the national assembly, urging both chambers to reject Tsenyil’s confirmation when it comes up for screening.

“The North Central deserves better. We deserve a competent, visionary, and widely acceptable leader to steer the affairs of the Commission,” he added.

He also announced the group’s plan to stage a peaceful protest in Abuja, the nation’s capital, until the federal government and the senate heed its demands.

“We are mobilising youths across the North Central region to converge in Abuja. This is a battle for fairness, regional justice, and credible leadership,” Pam added.

This is an AI-assisted report.