Concerned stakeholders from Akko Ward, in Akko local government area of Gombe State have written to the state governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, demanding equitable representation in the appointment of Chairman for newly created Akko North Local Council Development Authority (LCDA), citing what they described as a “significant imbalance” in current political appointments across Gona emirate in the area.
In a letter addressed to the Governor through the Secretary to the State Government, and signed by the leader of the concerned stakeholders, Sulaiman Muhammad, a copy issued to newsmen on Thursday, the group analysed the distribution of elected and appointed officials from Akko North and called for the LCDA Chairmanship to be zoned to Akko Ward.
According to the request, out of 12 key officials from Akko North under Governor Inuwa’s administration, nine are from Garko and Kalshingi Wards Gona East, while only three are from Akko and Tukulma Wards in Gona West.
“Kalshingi Ward has 4 appointees: Permanent Secretary Adamu Kala, SA Community Relations Habu Ali Kalshingi, SSA Youths Engagement Abdulmalik Sulaiman Abubakar, and Dahiru Kala of the House of Assembly Service Commission.
“Garko Ward has 5: Assembly Members Musa Muhammad Wuro Biriji, Civil Service Commission Member Jani Adamu Bello, Deputy Chief of Staff Muhammad Bello Sulaiman, APC LGA Chair Muhammadu Marka, and APC Gombe Central Zonal Chair Danladi Adamu Tunfure.
“Akko Ward has 2: LG Service Commission Chairman Daudu Umar Abdussalam and SSA Media Safiyanu Danladi Mairiga. Tukulma Ward has 1: GOHealth Board Member Abubakar Maigari Tukulma”, the pointed out.
The concern made two key requests including a call that the Akko North LCDA Chairmanship be given to Akko Ward in the interest of fairness, inclusion, and grassroots cohesion, noting that Akko is the headquarters of the LCDA yet remains underrepresented.
They also appealed for the deliberate appointment of a competent youth from Akko Ward to boost youth participation in governance and strengthen the governor’s youth engagement agenda.
The group argued that granting the requests will deepen trust, ensure balanced development and inclusive governance across all wards in Gombe State.
The Akko North LCDA is one of several LCDAs created to bring governance closer to the grassroots.
