Group Faults Yakawada’s Appointment as Chairman of Regional Development Boards

By Ahmad Saka, Bauchi

The Arewa Youths for the Sustenance of Democracy and Good Governance (AYSDGG) has condemned the appointment of Hon. Lawal Sama’ila Abdullahi Yakawada as Chairman of all Boards of Commissions under the Federal Ministry of Regional Development.

Addressing journalists in Bauchi, the group described the appointment by the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, as illegal and unconstitutional, alleging that it violates the laws establishing the Development Commissions.

The Coordinator of the group, Engr. Aliyu Musa Aliyu, who was flanked by the association’s Secretary, Lawal Abdullahi, and other officials, stated that the Development Commissions were created by acts of the National Assembly, and until such laws are amended, no one—including the Minister—has the power to override them.

"The unilateral appointment of a Chairman for the Regional Development Commissions by the Minister, without due legal or constitutional backing, is ultra vires, unconstitutional, null, and void," Aliyu said.

He argued that the action amounts to a usurpation of the powers of the President and the National Assembly, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the enabling Acts that established the respective commissions.

According to him, “Such appointments violate the principles of separation of powers and due process and undermine transparency, federal character, and good governance.”

Aliyu emphasized that the enabling laws of the Development Commissions clearly vest the power of appointment in the President, subject to Senate confirmation—not in the Minister.

He called on key stakeholders including the National Assembly, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), security and law enforcement agencies, the media, and civil society organisations to rise in defense of the rule of law and protect the integrity of the Development Commissions, which are critical to the rebuilding and development of various regions.

The group urged the Minister to “follow the path of honour” and reverse the appointment, warning that failure to do so would leave them with no option but to seek redress through legal means.

They also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to call the Minister to order in the interest of upholding the rule of law and constitutional governance.