20/07/2025
HYPPADEC Must Not Be Politicized — Appoint from the Rightful Region
By Adamu Muhammad Sabo
The recent appointment of a new Managing Director for the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) from outside the affected region is not only disappointing, it is a dangerous deviation from the very purpose of the Commission.
HYPPADEC was created to address the pains and neglect suffered by communities displaced, flooded, and economically dislocated by the construction of hydroelectric dams in states like Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Kebbi, and Benue. These states have carried the burden of national power generation with little or nothing to show for it. That is why the law clearly states that leadership of HYPPADEC must come from within the hydroelectric power producing areas.
Appointing someone from outside these areas is an insult to the sacrifices of these communities. It is a complete disregard for equity, justice, and the federal character principle. How can someone who has not tasted the hardship of recurring floods, land loss, or economic stagnation be expected to represent our interests? Such an appointment alienates the people, and reduces the Commission to just another political reward system.
Let it be clear: this is not about tribe or politics, it is about justice and legality. The people who suffer the impact must be at the center of the solution.
We therefore call on President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to:
Reverse this appointment immediately;
Ensure that all future leadership of HYPPADEC is selected strictly from within the affected communities;
Reaffirm his government’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and accountability.
The people of HYPPADEC states have waited for far too long for real development. Let their suffering not be mocked by such careless and unjust appointments.
Mr. President, do the right thing. Reverse the appointment. Restore Justice.