The Northern Progressives Forum (NPF) has called on the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, to intervene in the ongoing dispute at the North-West Development Commission (NWDC).

The group, led by its chairman Dayyabu Abdullahi, has expressed concern over remarks made by the commission’s Board Chairman, Lawal Samaila-Abdullahi, regarding the ongoing scholarship program within the organization.

In a press conference held in Kano, Abdullahi condemned Samaila-Abdullahi’s claim, made during a national interview, that he was unaware of the scholarship initiative. Abdullahi described these comments as “unsavoury” and accused the board chairman of attempting to undermine the efforts of the NWDC’s Managing Director, Professor Abdullahi Ma’aji.

Abdullahi emphasized that the statement was detrimental to the commission’s progress, labeling it as sabotage. “Saying that he was not aware of the scholarship programme is an act of sabotage because the action of the Managing Director, Professor Abdullahi Ma’aji, is in line with the law. The Act that establishes the commission categorically states that their mandate is just to inform the board chairman about any key policy,” he said.

The group voiced confidence in Ma’aji’s leadership, citing his long career in academia and his commitment to advancing the commission’s goals. “Everyone knows that Professor Ma’aji is an astute academic with decades of experience, and we are confident that he will not do anything against the law,” Abdullahi added.

The NPF also accused Samaila-Abdullahi of disrupting peace and stability within the commission, attributing this to his previous controversial roles, including his tenure at the Shippers Council and as Secretary to the Government of Kaduna State. The group pointed out that Samaila-Abdullahi’s past actions had caused unnecessary controversies, which they believe are continuing at the NWDC.

Abdullahi urged the Minister of Regional Development to take immediate action, calling for clarity on the chairman’s responsibilities as outlined by the law. “It is not too late for the Minister to call him to order and inform him of his schedule of duties as stated by the law,” Abdullahi said.

The group expressed hope that the matter would be addressed swiftly to prevent further destabilization of the commission.