A controversy has erupted in Nigeria over the nomination of Mr. Cyril Tsenyil as the Managing Director of the newly established North Central Development Commission (NCDC). The Concerned Plateau Youth Forum, a group representing the interests of young people in Plateau State, has vehemently rejected Tsenyil’s nomination, citing concerns over political influence and a lack of merit-based selection.
The NCDC, established by the National Assembly, is tasked with coordinating and accelerating development in states within the North Central region of Nigeria. However, the group alleges that Tsenyil’s appointment is a result of his connection to Senator Simon Lalong, who served as the Governor of Plateau State. Tsenyil previously worked as the Plateau State Accountant General under Lalong’s administration, and the group claims that his nomination “smacks of favoritism, cronyism, and total disregard for competence and broad-based representation.”
The spokesperson for the Concerned Plateau Youth Forum, Danladi Pam, has urged President Bola Tinubu to withdraw Tsenyil’s nomination, stating that it is “not only unpopular among Plateau people, but it is also an insult to the collective sensibilities of the North Central region.” The group is questioning Tsenyil’s qualifications and performance as Accountant General, asking “what were his records during his tenure as accountant?” They are calling for a more inclusive and transparent process in selecting the Managing Director of the NCDC.
The group is taking its concerns to the National Assembly, preparing a formal protest letter and a detailed petition to urge the Senate and House of Representatives to reject Tsenyil’s confirmation. They believe that the North Central region deserves a competent, visionary, and widely acceptable leader to steer the affairs of the Commission, rather than someone who may have been appointed due to political connections. The Concerned Plateau Youth Forum is emphasizing the need for merit-based appointments to avoid repeating the mistakes of similar commissions in the past. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen whether President Tinubu will heed the group’s call to withdraw Tsenyil’s nomination and ensure a more transparent and inclusive selection process.
