Appointments: C’River group demands equity, warns against marginalisation

A civil society organisation, Good Governance Advocacy International, has accused the Federal Government of sidelining Cross River State in key federal appointments, calling on President Bola Tinubu to ensure fairness and strict compliance with the Federal Character principle.

The group made the allegation in Calabar, expressing concern that despite its contributions to national development and reputation for peace, the state had been overlooked in the distribution of sensitive positions.

Speaking at the briefing, the Director-General of the group, Leonard Anyogo, argued that Cross River’s peaceful disposition should not be misconstrued as a basis for exclusion from strategic appointments.

“Cross River has remained peaceful and law-abiding even in the face of serious national and regional challenges. That disposition should not translate into marginalisation,” Anyogo said.

He alleged a pattern in which states perceived as less confrontational were often ignored in critical federal placements, warning that such perceptions could undermine national cohesion.

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Anyogo recalled the 2002 judgment of the International Court of Justice, which ceded the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon, noting that Cross River endured significant territorial and economic losses but maintained peace throughout the period.

He claimed that unresolved grievances and perceived injustice have historically contributed to instability in parts of the country, stressing that fairness, equity and inclusiveness remain essential pillars for sustaining national unity and security.

He also raised concerns over the ongoing process to appoint a substantive Rector for the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, urging the President to ensure that due process and equity guide the final approval.

Anyogo stated that the institution’s Governing Council had fulfilled its statutory responsibility by recommending a candidate, adding that the final decision rests with the President.

He dismissed suggestions that the group’s position was confrontational, describing it instead as constructive civic engagement aimed at strengthening democratic governance.

“We are not issuing threats. We are appealing for justice and fairness in line with the Constitution and the principles of federal character,” he said.

He further clarified that he was speaking in his personal capacity as Director-General of the advocacy organisation and not on behalf of the Cross River State government.

The group called on the Federal Government to review its appointment processes to ensure balanced representation across the states.