Politics has been defined in various ways by scholars, but one major source of conflict remains the unequal allocation of resources and opportunities in society. Harold Lasswell famously described politics as “who gets what, when, and how,” while David Easton defined it as “the authoritative allocation of values.” In Plateau State, there are approximately 54 ethnic nationalities, with Plateau South alone hosting over 10 distinct ethnic groups.
The Tarok Progressive Youth Association (TAPYA), the umbrella body of Tarok youth worldwide, raises a solemn and urgent alarm over the increasingly dangerous pattern of Federal appointments in Plateau State’s Southern Zone. Opportunities that should reflect the collective electoral strength and diversity of the zone have increasingly been concentrated in the hands of a single ethnic group.
TAPYA reiterates that the Tarok people respect all other ethnic nationalities in Plateau State and remain committed to peace, cooperation, and harmony.
However, we strongly oppose the marginalization and domination of other tribes, which undermines trust, threatens social cohesion, and sets a dangerous precedent for the political future of the Southern Zone.
Despite their proven loyalty, competence, and contributions to the ruling party, many other tribes in the Southern Zone have been systematically excluded from Federal appointments.
It is difficult to comprehend why a single ethnic group, not even the majority in Plateau South, continues to dominate key positions, especially when the same individual previously held governorship and ministerial power.
Regrettably, rather than correcting this abnormality, the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has worsened the situation. Recent federal appointments concentrated within a single ethnic nationality from Plateau State include, among others:
- Sen. Bako Lalong – Representing Plateau South
- Prof. Garba Shaarunutu – Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN)
- Prof. Seddi Sabastine – Member, National Universities Commission (NUC)
- Dr. Cyril Tsenyil – Managing Director, North Central Development Commission (NCDC)
- Mr. Chris Dahogol – Director, NCDC
- Dr. Longpet Halle Gabriel – INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner
- Barr. Festus Fuanter – Chairman, National Teachers’ Institute (NTI)
- Prof. Nora Daduut – Chairman, FUTA / Ambassador
- Hon. Alexander Naanyuan – FCT Commissioner
- Mrs. Cecilia Arsun Dapoet is the Federal Commissioner for the National Population Commission (NPC) in Plateau State, Nigeria.
TAPYA observes with grave concern that the concentration of appointments within a single ethnic group sidelines competent, committed, and high-performing stakeholders from other Southern Zone tribes. This pattern undermines inter-ethnic trust, threatens social cohesion, and risks long-term political instability.
TAPYA CALLS ON THE FOLLOWING LEADERS TO ADDRESS THIS DANGEROUS PRECEDENT:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe
Dr. Bernard Doro, Minister of Poverty Eradication and Humanitarian Affairs
We demand urgent corrective measures to ensure that Federal appointments within the Southern Zone are fair, inclusive, and reflective of the zone’s diversity. The Tarok people, alongside all other ethnic communities, deserve equitable recognition and representation, as guaranteed under democratic governance.
TAPYA emphasizes that while the Tarok Youth remain committed to peace, coexistence, and national unity, continued injustice, domination, and marginalization of other tribes cannot be tolerated. Corrective action must be taken immediately to protect the harmony and political stability of the Southern Zone.
The Tarok Progressive Youth Association (TAPYA) remains steadfast in its commitment to justice, equity, and unity, and calls on all leaders to act responsibly to safeguard the Southern Zone’s future.
God bless Nigeria
God bless Plateau State and God bless Plateau South, Senatorial District, Amen.
Comr. C. C. Dashe,
National Publicity Secretary,
Tarok Progressive Youth Association (TAPYA)
For:
Amb. Miri Timnan Nyantau (M.T.N.),
National President,
Tarok Progressive Youth Association (TAPYA)
