A youth group in Ogun State, Yewa Youth Pacesetters, has called on the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, to consider competence above political and sectional consideration, in nominating the indigene of the state for a ministerial slot as well as other key federal appointments.
The group said the call had become imperative against the call and clamour of the Ogun Central senatorial district that the ministerial nominee should be exclusively reserved for a native of Egbaland.
According to YYP in a statement by its president, Dapo Fashola, at the weekend, competence and capacity to deliver should be the only yardstick for anyone who is going to fill the ministerial slot from Ogun, noting that playing up sectional or political sentiment would not augur well for the state.
He pointed out that Ogun, which is known for being at the forefront of the political and economic development of Nigeria, should not be bogged down with ethnicity or clannishness, in the name of political balancing.
Fashola stressed that all the three senatorial districts in the state have competent and cerebral individuals who have made marks in their respective chosen careers, hence, qualified to take up ministerial appointment.
The group added that Ogun must ensure that the best person for the job is nominated as minister, especially as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s body language and actions had indicated that he would prefer technocrats who are capable to deliver the blueprint of his administration.
It, therefore, expressed optimism that Governor Abiodun, who is known for his equity, fairness and justice, will nominate a person of quality as a minister, irrespective of his or her senatorial district.
While urging the governor to resist the pressure of “zoning” the ministerial slot to a particular section of the state, YYP, in the statement, insisted that that the nominee should be a person that will represent the state well and offer sterling service at the Federal Executive Council.