Open letter to Governor Otu on marginalisation of Utugwang nation in appointments

Your Excellency, the People’s Governor Sir,

I write to you with concern and a hint of shock. As a vocal advocate for equity and fairness, I am compelled to address the perceived marginalisation of the Utugwang people in your appointments since assuming office as the 4th democratically elected Governor of our dear state in the current democratic dispensation. Sir, despite our significant contributions to your success and the APC’s victory in Obudu, the Utugwang community has been largely excluded from key positions.

Obudu politics have traditionally followed a sharing formula that ensures balance and inclusivity between the two blocs, Constituency 1 (Bette) and Constituency 2 (Utukalu). However, your appointments have departed significantly from this established precedent, resulting in minimal representation for the Utukalu bloc, particularly the Utugwang people, who have been largely sidelined from key positions.

To date, you have made over twenty appointments from Obudu since assuming office. Regrettably, only three of these appointments have been allocated to Utugwang, with just one being a significant appointment as State Economic Adviser. In contrast, the other bloc has received a substantial share of appointments, including two Commissioners, multiple Special Advisers, multiple Senior Special Assistants, and Special Assistants, with all members except one being part of the Urban Development Authority. The remaining two slots allocated to Utugwang are merely Board member and Director positions in agencies, which pale in comparison to the influential roles bestowed upon the other bloc.

Your loyal supporters from Utugwang have been subjected to ridicule and mockery by the opposition, both in public and private circles. They are being taunted for their decision to support you over their own candidate, only to be denied opportunities and patronage by your administration. This has made them a laughing stock, and their credibility has been severely undermined.

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Your Excellency, as a champion and embodiment of equity and fairness, I urge you to extend the same commitment to justice that motivated you to advocate for our state’s interests in the reconstitution of the governing council of federal tertiary institutions, as we petitioned President Tinubu.

I acknowledge that this imbalance may be an oversight, but if not, I offer a sincere apology on behalf of my people if we have inadvertently offended you. I fervently appeal to you to address this disparity, as our people have demonstrated commitment and dedication to your ambition, vision and administration, and it is essential to reciprocate their trust and support.

The People’s Governor Sir, the opposition remains a formidable force in the North, and we must not unintentionally boost their strength by neglecting the interests of a significant political bloc like Utugwang. By marginalising this key constituency, we risk creating a perception that the government and ruling APC do not value their support in future elections.

Consequently, Sir, I implore you to scrutinise and address the glaring imbalance in appointments from Obudu and embrace your fatherly role to all your constituents. As your loyal supporters, we take pride in our contributions to your success and eagerly await your compassionate consideration to address this disparity.

Your Excellency, I humbly request that you consider our qualified individuals for significant appointments to ensure that the sharing formula in Obudu accurately reflects the support and loyalty of all blocs. This will help preserve the peace and understanding that has long characterised Obudu politics and uphold the principles of equity and fairness that are hallmarks of your emergence as Governor.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this matter.

Inyali Peter, PhD.