The Arewa Professional Group (APG), a coalition of professionals and elder statesmen from Northern Nigeria, has expressed deep concern about the alleged ethnic profiling, gender abuse, and blackmail targeting Dr. Muheeba Dankaka, the chairperson of the Federal Character Commission (FCC).
In response to these issues, the APG has called for a more professional approach to the operations of the Federal Character Commission and has expressed unwavering confidence in Dr. Dankaka’s ability to serve diligently in her role.
The group emphasized the importance of upholding principles of fairness and meritocracy, urging all Nigerians to allow individuals like Dr. Dankaka to contribute to the nation’s progress without unwarranted interference.
Dr. Umar Bala Abdulkadir, the National Coordinator of APG, and Comrade Nazanmi Dakingari, the Secretary, have released a statement strongly objecting to the malicious campaign that intends to damage Dr. Dankaka’s reputation.
The APG called upon the leadership of the House of Representatives, the Senate of the Federal Republic, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to put an end to ethno-religious profiling and gender abuse directed at Dr. Dankaka. They highlighted her status as a female professional who embodies the legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna of Sokoto) and serves as a role model for women and girls in the North.
The group commended her consistent and effective discharge of duties since assuming the mantle of leadership.
The statement said: “Nigerians and indeed, the management of the FCC will agree that before the presidential elections of 2023, even the lowest cadre of staff of the FCC, the leadership of the National Assembly, and the various committees were adequately aware of the avid stand, body language, and sincere campaigns embarked upon by Dr. Muheeba Dankaka, who did not hide her genuine efforts.
“She showed her dexterity as a great mobilizer and avid supporter of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s candidacy, which, according to our investigation, did not go down well with a select few from the Labour Party (LP), principally dominated by individuals from the Southeast geopolitical zone.
“It will also be recalled that these elements embarked on a campaign of calumny and war of attrition against our very own, by going to the market square to dance naked and went as far as using all sorts of blackmail tactics, media bullying, and ambush tactics aimed at unseating her from her official seat.”
According to the statement, individuals have continuously used derogatory language to refer to her and attempted to pressure her into compromising her ethical principles at the commission. Despite these challenges, she remained resolute, asserting that the status quo of unethical practices was no longer acceptable.
Furthermore, the group expressed their dismay over the fact that she had to defend herself and affirm her innocence against baseless accusations made by certain members of the Federal House of Representatives.
These individuals have persistently sought to tarnish her reputation and subject her to public ridicule through a smear campaign against her office and character.