Group Seeks Federal Appointments For Ebonyi Indigenes

The Ebonyi Professionals Forum, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Abuja, says it will seek redress for the imbalance in federal appointments for Ebonyi indigenes.

The National Coordinator of the forum, Mr. Magnus Eze,  told newsmen on Sunday in Abakaliki that the situation was retarding the rapid growth and development of the state.

“We are going to embark on massive advocacy/outreach to the relevant agencies responsible for such appointments, to encourage them to enshrine equity in the making of federal appointments.

“We would soon start visiting agencies such as the Federal Character Commission, to make them to realise the need to reverse the trend to ensure fairness and equity.” .

Eze said  that the allocation of appointment slots meant for Ebonyi to other states would also be redressed to ensure that the state maximizes its opportunities at the federal level.

“The situation where federal appointment slots meant for Ebonyi are allotted to other states is deplorable and robs the state of the benefits accruing from the representations at the federal level.”

According to the coordinator, young states such as Ebonyi, Kebbi and Bayelsa, among others, need to be placed on equal pedestal with the more established states when considering appointments at the federal level.

“These states should even be given special preferences to make them relevant in the nation’s polity and to contribute to their development.’’

Eze said the move was part of the group’s policy thrust for 2012, which he said,was its own way of contributing to the development of the state.

“We will carry out a manpower study/ survey in Ebonyi, both at home and in the Diaspora, to ascertain areas where the state has comparative advantage over others as well as its areas of disadvantage.