● Chijioke Ogbodo
The recent inauguration of an eight-man committee on the National Population Census has sparked widespread concern – not merely for its composition, but for what that composition says about the state of our federation. The issue at hand is not just about appointments; it is about fairness, national cohesion, and respect for the constitutional principle of federal character. When a national committee tasked with shaping the outcome of an exercise as crucial as the population census is lopsided in its representation, it sends a chilling message to millions of Nigerians: you do not matter.
Of the eight committee members inaugurated recently, five hail from the South West, the geopolitical zone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Two others are from the North Central, and one from the North West. Here’s the breakdown of the committee members: Alhaji Atiku Bagudu – Chairman (North West); Alhaji Idris Malagi – Member (North Central); Mr. Oyinade – Member (South West); Mr. Wale Edun – Member (South West); Mr. Zacch Adedeji – Member (South West); Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote – Member (South West); Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola – Member (South West); and Alhaji Kwarra – Secretary (North Central). But not a single member represents the South East, South South, or North East regions. This is not a mere oversight – it is a deliberate design that flies in the face of equity and inclusiveness. This is not how to run a pluralistic nation of over 200 million people spread across diverse ethnic, religious, and linguistic lines.
The Nigerian Constitution, in Section 14(3), clearly emphasizes the need for the Federal Government to reflect the federal character of the country in appointments and the conduct of its affairs. This is to promote national unity and prevent any section of the country from dominating others. Yet, in this instance, three out of six geopolitical zones – half the country – have been entirely excluded from a decision-making process that will affect every Nigerian. It is not just unjust; it is reckless.
A population census is not a partisan exercise. It is a national undertaking that determines how resources are allocated, how constituencies are delineated, how infrastructure is distributed, and how development planning is undertaken. It directly affects representation in government, business decisions, and social service delivery. To skew such a process in favor of one region not only undermines the credibility of the census outcome but also fuels existing grievances about marginalization, neglect, and second-class citizenship.
Even more troubling is the precedent this sets. If inclusivity cannot be guaranteed in an exercise as foundational as a national census, what hope remains for equity in less visible but equally important areas of governance? This is why public outcry should not be muted. This moment demands that leaders, civil society, the media, and concerned citizens speak out strongly against this affront to justice and unity.
President Tinubu, as the leader of all Nigerians, must rise above regional loyalty and embrace the responsibility of statesmanship. Governance should not be reduced to rewarding cronies and kinsmen. The trust of the Nigerian people – especially those outside his native South West – is quickly eroding. Inclusivity should not be a matter of political convenience, but a guiding principle of national leadership.
To reverse the growing perception of insensitivity and tribalism, the following recommendations must be urgently considered. First, the composition of the committee should be reviewed and expanded to include representatives from the South East, South South, and North East. These regions must be at the table if the outcome of the census is to be seen as credible and binding. Second, all future appointments to national committees, especially those with far-reaching implications, must adhere strictly to the federal character principle—not as a box-ticking exercise, but as a commitment to unity in diversity.
Third – and crucially – the media must assume a pivotal role as a watchdog and catalyst for positive change. The press must not merely report this lopsided appointment but lead national conversations that demand transparency, equity, and constitutional adherence. By giving voice to the marginalized, spotlighting imbalances, and consistently holding power to account, the media can galvanize public pressure and influence policy redirection. Editors, columnists, broadcasters, and online platforms must rise to this challenge, for silence or indifference only deepens democratic decay.
Furthermore, the National Assembly and civil society organizations must be proactive in interrogating executive decisions that exclude large swathes of the country. This is not the time for rubber-stamp oversight or selective activism. If the democratic institutions of this nation are to serve the people equally, then checks and balances must function with the same intensity for all regions, not just the favored few.
In a country already battling with ethno-regional tensions, insecurity, and economic hardship, this kind of regional lopsidedness in decision-making bodies is dangerous. It deepens distrust in the system and reinforces the belief among some citizens that they are perpetually on the fringes of national relevance. That is a burden this country can no longer afford to bear.
The legitimacy of the forthcoming national census hinges not only on the accuracy of the data collected but also on the integrity of the process. If entire regions are denied a voice in its planning, then we risk conducting a census that is dead on arrival. The government must act now to correct this wrong – before the damage becomes irreparable. GMTNewsng
