“Where Is Federal Character in Plateau?” — Sheikh Jingir Decries Total Exclusion of Over 50% Muslim Population in Key Governance and Security Appointments

The National Chairman of the Ulama Council of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah, JIBWIS Worldwide, Ash-Sheikh Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir, has decried what he described as the total exclusion of Muslims from key governance and security positions in Plateau State.

In a message delivered in Jos, Sheikh Jingir said Muslims constitute more than half of the population of Plateau State, yet they hold no major executive or legislative position. He said the state has no Muslim governor, no deputy governor and no Speaker of the House of Assembly.

He also cited reports that top security heads in the state, including the Commissioner of Police, the State Director of the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Civil Defence, are all non-Muslims, leaving the Muslim majority sidelined.

Questioning the application of the Federal Character principle, the cleric asked whether Plateau is exempt from national fairness standards. He warned that any system that excludes a majority population cannot stand, urging those responsible for the lopsided arrangement to reverse it in the interest of justice and peaceful coexistence.