By Muhammad Tanko
The Jos Renaissance Group (JRG) has expressed strong disapproval over what it describes as the exclusion of Muslims from the newly constituted team of aides appointed by the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly.
In a press statement jointly signed by the group’s leader, Barrister Lawal Ishaq, and Secretary, Barrister Munir Abdullahi, the group condemned the lopsided nature of the appointments.
Noting that out of the approximately 13 aides recently named, not a single Muslim was considered worthy to be appointed.
“The population of Muslims in Plateau State is not negligible, and appointments should reflect the multi-religious and multi-ethnic nature of our state,”
“It is unacceptable that no Muslim was found worthy of inclusion, even from the Speaker’s own zone where Muslims are found domiciled,” he added.
While acknowledging that Muslims have been fairly represented in the state executive council to ensure balance, the group urged the Speaker to consider a review of his appointments and correct what it described as a “clear oversight.”
“That inclusivity is essential to promoting unity and fairness in governance.
“In our democracy, elected officials receive votes across religious and ethnic divides. This diversity should be mirrored in their actions and decisions,” it added.
The group called on all political actors and institutions in Plateau State to be mindful of the need for equitable representation and warned that they would continue to monitor developments and guide the electorate accordingly.
“Plateau State belongs to all of us,” the statement concluded.
