2023: APC fumes over Naja’atu’s appointment as N/West zonal coordinator, demands ‘immediate withdrawal’ by PSC

Barely hours after the Police Service Commission (PSC) appointed listed Hajia Naja’atu Mohammad, as one of the coordinators for the 2023 General Elections in charge of the North West Zone as commissioner, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the appointment.

Hajia Naja’atu Mohammad, last month resigned her membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in addition to her appointment as Director of the Civil Society Directorate of the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council of the party, under controversial circumstances. This is even as the APC maintained that the rights activist was sacked from her job.

It would be recalled that with less than a week to commencement of the 2023 General Elections across the country on February 25 and March 11, the Police Service Commission (PSC), weekend, announced the appointment of National, Zonal and State Coordinators for the political exercise.

A statement by the PSC, through its Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, Sunday, disclosed that the commission’s Acting Chairman of the Commission, Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, JSC rtd, ‘will lead it’s strong delegation as the National Coordinator and assisted by the Honourable Commissioners representing the six geo-political zones as Zonal Coordinators.’

 “Acting Chairman of the Commission, Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, JSC rtd, CFR will be leading the Commission’s strong delegation as the National Coordinator and assisted by the Honourable Commissioners representing the six geo-political zones as Zonal Coordinators. While the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Ifeoma Adaora Anyanwutaku will serve as the Deputy National Coordinator,” the statement read.

The commission also warned that it will sanction any police officer involved in any form of misconduct before, during or immediately after the elections as it is determined to ensure that policemen on election duties must conduct themselves within the approved rules and regulations.

Among the appointed zonal commissioners was Hajia Naja’atu Mohammad, who is expected to serve as the coordinators for the North West Zone in the elections.

However, Naja’atu’s appointment has sparked unrest at the APC, as the ruling party said it is ‘deeply shocked and appalled’ over the appointment of the rights activist by the PSC.

The APC in rejecting the appointment of Naja’atu, further demanded her ‘IMMEDIATE withdrawal as a coordinator of the Police Service Commission for the North West or any region for that matter.’

According to the ruling party, its position is view of the ‘the well-documented activities, actions and vitriols of Naja’atu in the last few weeks against our candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’ as the party described her appointment as ‘not only callous, it is insensitive, openly confrontational and consequently unacceptable by the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.’

The APC statement titled; “WE REJECT THE APPOINTMENT OF NAJA’ATU BALA MUHAMMAD AS A NORTHWEST COORDINATOR OF THE POLICE SERVICE COMMISSION,” signed, Monday, by Mr. Festus Keyamo, Director of Public Affairs and Chief Spokesperson, Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council and Minister of State, Labour and Employment, also accused some government functionaries of ‘working with the opposition to thwart the avowed commitment’ of President Muhammadu Buhari towards free, fair and credible elections in the country with the latest appointment.

“We are deeply shocked and appalled to read a release by the Police Service Commission appointing one of its most partisan members, Naja’atu Bala Muhammad as a NorthWest coordinator of the Presidential Election. In that role, she is expected to move about freely supervising the conduct of Police Officers during the elections.

“With the well-documented activities, actions and vitriols of Naja’atu in the last few weeks against our candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (after being shown the door out of the APC as a mole) we venture to say that this appointment is not only callous, it is insensitive, openly confrontational and consequently unacceptable by the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.

“Coming at a time when President Muhammadu Buhari is constantly assuring and reassuring the world of free, fair and credible elections, it confirms our worst fears that there are functionaries of government that are actively working with the opposition to thwart the avowed commitment of Mr. President.

“We need not emphasise that the role given to Naja’atu requires a honest and unbiased individual who will discharge the duties diligently and without reproach. The nation will not get that from N Naja’atu.

“We therefore demand for the IMMEDIATE withdrawal of the name of Naja’atu Bala Muhammad as a coordinator of the Police Service Commission for the North West or any region for that matter.

“She has an inalienable right to continue to campaign for any candidate of her choice and to vote for that candidate, but she cannot be given a garment to wear at this time that is meant only for neutrals,” the APC statement read.

It would be recalled that in her letter of resignation from the party and the Directorate, addressed to National Chairman of the APC, Adamu Abdullahi, and dated dated 19 January 2023, Ms Mohammad  wrote: “In line with article 9.5 (i) of the Constitution of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I am writing to you to intimate you of my resignation from the All Progressive Congress (APC). I am by this letter also informing you of my resignation as the Director of the Civil Society directorate of the Presidential Campaign Council of the APC.

“It has been a great honour working with you to contribute towards the building of our dear nation. However, a number of recent developments in the country’s political and democratic space, make it impossible for me to continue to participate in party politics.

“The challenges that Nigeria faces today require me to continue championing the struggle for a better country with a clear conscience as I remain absolutely loyal to my dear country Nigeria.

“Kindly accept my most sincere appreciation for your leadership as the Chairman of the APC.

“Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

In another release, Najatu explained that she was indeed quitting party politics, as she wrote:

“After much reflection and careful consideration, I have decided to part ways with party politics. I have come to the realization that my values and beliefs no longer align with party politics. Our political parties have no ideological differences and are simply robes that politicians wear to serve their personal needs and interests at any given time. As a result of which we see politicians changing from one robe to another whenever it suites them. What is important at this point in time is the individual wearing the robe and not the robe itself.

“I am committed to supporting individuals that are truly interested in addressing the root causes of our challenges as a nation. To remain true to such commitments, one must be willing to take bold and decisive steps. Quitting party politics at this point in time is one of such steps.

“We all recognize that Nigeria is facing many challenges, including insecurity, poverty, inequality, and lack of access to basic services. Such challenges require the consolidated efforts of competent and patriotic leadership across every level of governance.

“Nigerians must be aware of the severity of their situation after the dismal failures of leadership the country has experienced over the years.

“Nigerians must be aware of the consequences of their decisions and their choices. Therefore, restricting ones choice to a single political party will be detrimental to the development of our country and our democracy.

“As a Nigerian fighting for a better Nigeria, I am deeply committed to the struggle for a more just and equitable society. I believe that all Nigerians deserve the opportunity to live a life of dignity, security and opportunity.

“Nigeria has a long history of struggle to build a better future for all its citizens. Despite many challenges, we remain resolute to overcome them and create a more prosperous, stable, and just society.

“I remain committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens, and promoting a culture of tolerance and respect. I believe that diversity is one of our greatest strengths and that by working together, we can build a stronger, more united country.

“Long live the federal republic of Nigeria.”