Zaria West Youths Decry Decades of Political Marginalisation in Kaduna
By the Newsroom
KANO — Youth groups in Zaria West, weekend raised concerns over what they described as decades of political marginalisation, alleging persistent exclusion from key government appointments and elective positions at both state and federal levels.
The youths, drawn from Unguwar Juma, Unguwar Fatika and Limanci wards, said despite being one of the most densely populated parts of the local government, their contributions to political development have not translated into representation.
They argued that democratic governance should reflect fairness and inclusiveness, stressing that their area has continued to be sidelined since Nigeria’s return to civil rule.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Malam Hassan Musa Kofar Kuyanbana said the community is endowed with qualified professionals capable of holding public office but has remained overlooked by successive administrations.
“Since the return of democracy, no indigene of our area has been appointed as Commissioner or even as Special Adviser or Senior Special Assistant,” he said. “This is despite the fact that we have intellectuals and experienced civil servants who can deliver.”
Another youth, Sani Musa, alleged that the marginalisation extends beyond political appointments to infrastructure development. According to him,
“Our area is being neglected in terms of projects and basic amenities, while other parts continue to receive attention from the government.”
Also speaking, a community stakeholder, Iliyasu Marmara, criticised what he described as the concentration of appointments in a single ward to the detriment of others.
“This trend is unfair and unfortunate. Zaria West has the capacity to produce competent individuals for any position at the state or federal level,” he said.
Marmara, however, acknowledged recent federal appointments facilitated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, , which led to the emergence of two indigenes of the area as heads of national institutions in Zaria.
He called for more such opportunities, particularly board-level appointments, to “balance the equation.”
The youths urged authorities to urgently address their grievances and ensure equitable distribution of political opportunities and development projects.
They warned that continued exclusion could affect their level of support for the ruling in future political engagements.