Political appointments and other forms of employment intended for Kontagora, Mariga, Mashegu, and Wushishi Local Government Areas should be distributed in a manner that reflects justice and fairness to these communities - Engr.Mansur Maburya

Zone C in Niger State, which comprises eight local government areas, is currently facing significant challenges, including persistent banditry, poor road networks, and inadequate access to clean drinking water. These issues are especially pronounced within the Kontagora Emirate, particularly in Mariga, Mashegu, and Wushishi local government areas.

A critical examination of the region’s underdevelopment reveals that human and capital development have been disproportionately concentrated in Kontagora Local Government, to the detriment of Mashegu, Mariga, and Wushishi. Political appointments and elective positions also appear to be heavily skewed in favour of Kontagora alone. Surprisingly, the following key positions are currently held exclusively by individuals from Kontagora:

1. Two members of the State House of Assembly

2. Two State Commissioners

3. One Member of the House of Representatives

4. One Senator

5. And some prominent appointments meant for the area.

Given this trend, it is difficult to see how the other local governments can develop when virtually all essential political influence, employment opportunities, and developmental projects are centred in only one area. Many state and federal job placements meant for the entire zone are reportedly allocated mainly to indigenes of Kontagora, leaving the other councils at a disadvantage.

Even during the administration of former Governor Lolo—himself an indigene of Kontagora—major political appointments and developmental efforts were largely concentrated in the same local government, leaving the others without the progress they urgently need.

For example, former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the reconstruction of the Kontagora–Bangi–Bena road and the rehabilitation of the Makera–Kontagora–Sokoto road (Sokoto axis has already Completed through the efforts of their leaders) nearly seven years ago. However, due to a lack of follow-up by the elected representatives, these projects have yet to materialize.

To ensure true development for Zone C, the practice of concentrating political power and developmental efforts in a single local government must stop. 

If these local governments were created to foster growth, then fairness and justice demand that political appointments, employment opportunities, and infrastructural projects be equitably distributed among the four LGAs. 

No local government is superior to another, and the collective development of all should be a source of pride for the Emirate Council—not a situation where some flourish while others continue to suffer poverty and neglect.

In light of this, either the House of Representatives seat or the Senate position should be allocated to another local government area—preferably Mashegu, which has never had the opportunity to hold any of these positions. This is necessary in the interest of justice and fairness.

I am fully aware that those currently occupying these positions may deploy social media attack dogs, but I am not bothered. My position is driven solely by the need to promote peaceful coexistence among the people of this region.

If I were to speak based on sentiment, I would lobby for the position to go to Mariga Local Government Area. However, justice must prevail, and therefore Mashegu should be given the slot and a competent person from the area must source, irrespective of tribe and religion. This is simply my personal opinion.