The Northern Elders Forum, NEF, has warned President Bola Tinubu against suppressing and marginalizing other regions during the forthcoming national census.
NEF spokesman, Professor Abubakar Jiddere, issued the warning while condemning the composition of the recently constituted National Census Committee.
The Northern Elders Forum said the composition of the committee was lopsided to favour the South-West and also appears to be systematically designed to exclude other regions.
In a statement issued on Friday, NEF called for the immediate reconstitution of the committee to ensure equal representation of all six geopolitical zones in line with the federal character principle.
“The conduct of a national census is a critical and sensitive matter, one that must enjoy the confidence and participation of all geopolitical zones.
“Any attempt to marginalise or suppress the interests of other regions risks undermining the legitimacy, accuracy, and national acceptance of the census outcome.
“A holistic review and equitable redistribution of all federal appointments in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to reflect true national diversity and constitutional compliance,” NEF said.
The statement warned that continued disregard for the principles of equity, justice, and inclusivity threatens the very fabric of Nigeria’s unity.
“The sustained marginalization of certain regions breeds resentment, deepens divisions, and could fuel avoidable instability in the country,” it added.
NEF noted that Nigeria is a diverse nation bound by a common destiny, saying that preserving its unity requires leadership that is fair, inclusive and guided by the rule of law.