Scholarship Row: Group Accuses NWDC MD Of High Handedness, Asks Minister To Warn Him

From Paul Orude Bauchi

A group,  Arewa Youths for the Sustenance of Democracy and Good Governance (AYSDGG) has accused the Managing Director and Chief Executive of North West Development Commission (NWDC), Professor Abdullahi Ma’aji, f high handedness and unilateral decision in the announcement of the Scholarship Scheme.

Leader of the Group Alhaji Salihu Magaji urged the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, to warn the Managing Director against violating the laws governing the activities of the Board.

Magaji said this in Bauchi today when he addressed a press conference at Chartwell Hotel Bauchi.

He argued it was necessary for the minister to call the MD to order to stop him from taking a unilateral decision without the knowledge of the Chairman and not carrying Board members along saying such actions may create an unnecessary crisis in the interventionist commission.

The NWDC is embroiled in an internal crisis over Scholarship Scheme, with the board alleging that they had informed the Chairman via a memo. But the board chairman said that he was not aware of a scholarship programme going on in the commission.

Magaji described the unilateral decision taken by the NWDC as high handedness without respect to the feeling of others disrespect to the office of the Chairman and other board members whom the law said they must be carried along in all the activities of the Commission.

“Everyone knows that the Chairman of the Commission Alhaji Lawan Sama’ila Abdullahi as a respected elder statesman , astute administrator  with decades of experience, and we are confident that he will not do anything against the law, and he will not keep quite where ever he sees anybody violating the law,” he said.

The matter of Scholarship that will take students outside the country, like any other matter, required due process in line with civil service law, which must be followed for the initiative to succeed.

He wondered why the MD was in haste without the knowledge of the Board.

“The minister must put his eyes on NWDC and ensure that the MD carries everybody along and act within the law guiding the Commission,” he said.

“If he doesn’t know how to respect the feelings of his superiors and or the Board Members the Minister must call him to order, and inform him of his schedule of duties as stated by the law”

Magaji urged President Bola Tinubu to continue supporting the NWDC Chairman’s efforts to strengthen the new commission so that it will start in good way according to the rule of law and harmonious way of carrying out government projects not unilaterally.

He described Lawal as a beacon of hope and a formidable pillar of support for President Tinubu in the North-West region.

“Lawal has been a pivotal ally and strategist for the President in the North-West region, significantly bolstering the administration’s influence.

“His unwavering support not only consolidates the President’s foothold in a critical electoral zone but also poses a formidable challenge to the fragmented opposition, which aims to undermine Tinubu’s prospects for reelection in 2027.

“Lawal’s political acumen and regional appeal are instrumental in countering dissent, thereby reinforcing the ruling party’s agenda and stability in an atmosphere fraught with competing interests and electoral volatility. His dedication and commitment and his strategic approach will fostered a collaborative environment among various people in the NWDC.

“We urge President Tinubu to recognize the essential role he plays in the ongoing efforts to carry along in the interest of Justice Transparency and development.

“It is disheartening to witness the MD is attempting to undermine a fellow public servant who has consistently prioritised the welfare of our citizens, follow due process, promote all-inclusiveness in his effort to provide good governance equity and justice.

Magaji alleged that  “The action of the MD reflect a broader pattern of political maneuvering that seeks to distract from the pressing issues at hand the issue of establishing all the offices of the commission.”

“Presently the commission has no offices, no executive directors, no procurement officers, has no single account in any commercial Bank, instead of working to put the needed structure the MD unilaterally jumped to something alone”

“It is crucial that we foster an environment of collaboration rather than division, particularly in matters as serious as Scholarship to common man”

We call upon our fellow citizens, particularly those in the North-West, to remain vigilant and discerning in the face of these politically motivated manouvers and continue to raise alarm within the ampit of the law. It is essential that we stand united in support of our leaders who demonstrate unwavering commitment to the service of our nation.

“The challenges we face as a region require collective action and a shared vision for a safer and more prosperous future.

“We, the Arewa Youth reiterate our steadfast support for the Chairman Alhaji Lawal Sama’ila  Abdullahi and We urge President Tinubu to continue supporting him in his endeavors to fortify our region and bring about the needed development Let us not allow political machinations to derail the progress we have made or to compromise the safety and security of our people. Together, we can build a stronger, more united North-West and Nigeria at large.”

We equally advised the MD to Emulate the Managing Director of North East Development Commission NEDC Alhaji Goni Alkali who has achieved successes and carry all people in the region along despite their political differences, he open offices of the NEDC In all the six states of the region and executes billions of Naira projects that has direct bearing on the lives of the people in the region.

Magaji alleged that “The recent attack by some miscreants under the auspices of faceless group called The Northern Progressives Forum (NPF) against the chairman shows the kind of person the MD and his supporters are they don’t know that the Chairman is the number one citizen in the NWDC who deserves respect from all and sundry”

He said we are vindicated because the whole world saw the kind of person the MD and his recruited supporters are, without discipline and lacks respect to the rule of law