Jonathan Ishaku, a chieftain of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau state, has resigned his membership of the party, citing the exclusion of the state from the federal executive council as reason for his action.
In a statement published on his Facebook page on Friday, the veteran journalist, said he is disappointed with the treatment meted on APC in Plateau and the people of the state by President Bola Tinubu.
He expressed disappointed that eight months after the resignation of Senator Simon Lalong from the Federal Executive Council, the Plateau ministerial slot had not been filled.
Lalong, a former governor of Plateau, was appointed minister of labour, but later resigned to the senate after the Court of Appeal declared him winner of the Plateau South Senatorial election.
Since his resignation eight months ago, President Tinubu has not nominated a replacement from the state.
Ishaku said the ministerial slot for Plateau state has been left indefinitely vacant, noting that it is a violation of the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
“This morning, September 6, 2024, I tendered my letter of resignation of my membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Gwamlar Unit Chairman in Shiwer-Seri Federal Ward (and Shiwer State Ward), Kanke Local Government Area , Plateau State,” the statement reads.
“This is an expression of my disappointment with the treatment meted to the party and people of Plateau State by the very national ruling party we the members fought very hard to install.
“I am particularly disappointed that eight months after the resignation of Senator Simon Bako Lalong from the Federal Executive Council (EXCO) to assume his mandate as a Senator, the Ministerial slot for Plateau State has been left indefinitely vacant.
“This is contrary to the Constitution of Nigeria 147(3), which stipulates that there must be at least one Cabinet member from each of the 36 states in Nigeria.
“In other words, the Federal Government of Nigeria as it now operates does so without the participation of my dear Plateau State.
“By extension, it means, as a party member, I do not count in the government, and I can no longer continue to live the illusion.
“In my opinion, this is a slight on the good people and members of the party in the state.
“The people of Plateau State deserve the utmost respect and treatment from the President and the APC.
“My resignation is a protest against the indefinite exclusion of Plateau State by the ruling APC Government”.
