A group of concerned stakeholders in Plateau State has accused the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Dr. Bernard Doro, of making what it described as one-sided appointments, warning that the trend could undermine equity, inclusion, and unity in the state.
In a statement made available to the press, the group expressed concern that recent appointments under the minister’s watch appear to be concentrated within one senatorial zone, contrary to the principles of fairness and balanced representation expected in a diverse state like Plateau.
The group recalled that when Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda previously served in the same ministry, appointments reflected a deliberate effort to balance competence with inclusiveness, drawing appointees from Plateau’s three senatorial zones. According to the group, that approach fostered confidence, unity, and a sense of belonging across the state.
However, the group alleged that under the current minister, this spirit of inclusion has diminished. They pointed out that two Technical Advisers and one Senior Special Adviser recently appointed by Hon. Doro all hail from the Northern Senatorial Zone, the minister’s zone of origin.
Those appointed include Pharm. Augustine Ayika Ajijelek from Bassa Local Government, the minister’s own local government area, and Hon. Daniel Dung Dalyop from Jos South as Technical Advisers, while Hon. Ibrahim Baba Hassan from Jos North was recently appointed Special Adviser on Political Strategy and Intelligence.
The group was careful to note that its concerns are not directed at the competence or integrity of the appointees, stressing that they may be qualified for their respective roles. Rather, the issue, according to the statement, is the concentration of key appointments within a single senatorial zone, despite the availability of qualified individuals from the Central and Southern zones of the state.
They warned that such a pattern creates the perception that public office is being treated as a sectional or zonal estate, rather than a platform for serving the collective interests of all Plateau citizens. The group added that this could erode public trust and further strain the already delicate unity of the state.
“Public office is a sacred trust and must reflect the diversity, hopes, and aspirations of all,” the statement read, adding that no part of Plateau State should feel excluded from decision-making corridors, especially at a time when the state is grappling with poverty, insecurity, and social divisions.
The group called on Hon. Doro to review future appointments to ensure fair representation of the Northern, Central, and Southern senatorial zones, urging him to demonstrate that he is a minister for all Plateau people.
They concluded by stating that Plateau citizens are closely watching developments, noting that history will ultimately judge whether political power was used to promote unity or deepen division.
Plateau News