Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, has responded to allegations of poor performance raised by a group of APC stakeholders from Nigeria’s North-Central region.
The group, under the banner of the North-Central APC Forum and led by Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, had accused the minister of failing to adequately address the growing humanitarian needs in Plateau State and other parts of the region.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the forum expressed dismay over what it described as the minister’s absence in the face of serious security challenges and displacement, especially in his home state.
They claimed that since his appointment in October 2024, Yilwatda’s presence and impact had not been felt, even as violence and displacement continue to affect residents.
The group cited data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which revealed that between March 27 and April 2, at least 52 people lost their lives and over 1,800 individuals were displaced due to violent attacks in Plateau.
They also criticized the minister for not personally visiting affected communities, noting that such duties had instead been undertaken by the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, who visited Bokkos Local Government Area late last year.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, the forum accused the minister of neglect and questioned his commitment to his national assignment.
They further alleged that Yilwatda’s silence and lack of action could be linked to political disappointment following his loss in the 2023 governorship election in Plateau State, which he contested under the APC.
In their view, governance should not be influenced by political grudges, and public office holders must rise above personal interests to serve those in need, especially in the midst of humanitarian crises.
However, Yilwatda, speaking in a phone conversation with a journalist on Monday, strongly refuted the accusations, insisting that he has actively responded to emergencies in the region.
He maintained that he had visited conflict-hit areas, including Bokkos, on two occasions, where he personally delivered food supplies, roofing sheets, cement, and other materials.
He also pointed to his interventions in Barkin Ladi and the Katako market fire incident, where he provided relief and reconstruction support.
According to the minister, he participated in some of these visits alongside the Minister of Defence and has video documentation to back his claims.
“I don’t believe in making noise about my work,” Yilwatda said.
“Let the people in those communities speak for themselves. My work is visible and verifiable, and I’m open to scrutiny. Just do a simple online search — it’s all there.”
He also questioned the motives behind the forum’s attack, suggesting it was politically driven. “It’s clearly political season,” he said.
“But instead of sitting back to criticize, they should show what they’ve done for the APC in the region they claim to represent.”
Yilwatda took office after former minister and ex-governor of Plateau State, Senator Simon Lalong, left the federal cabinet to take up a Senate seat following a court ruling in his favor.
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