Arewa Youth Assembly Rejects Proposed Job Cuts By CBN
1 year ago 2 min read
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The Arewa Youth Assembly has vehemently rejected the proposed job cuts by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), describing the initiative as “anti-North” and a deliberate attempt to cleanse northerners from the banking sector.
The group’s Speaker, Mohammed Salihu Danlami, in a statement in Kaduna on Sunday, expressed his organization’s strong opposition to the planned layoffs, which he believes would exacerbate the existing economic challenges facing the country.
According to Danlami, the CBN’s decision to cut jobs is not only ill-timed but also reveals a disturbing disregard for the welfare of Nigerian citizens, particularly those from the Northern region.
He argued that the layoffs would further destabilize the economy, increase poverty levels, and lead to heightened insecurity in the country.
“The impact of unemployment extends beyond mere numbers; it has profound psychological and social implications.
“Layoffs can lead to increased rates of mental health issues and can exacerbate criminal activities as individuals struggle to provide for their families,” Danlami said.
The Arewa Youth Assembly also raised concerns about the alleged coercion of employees into resigning voluntarily, which Danlami described as “grossly unethical” and a “dangerous precedent.”
He claimed that the CBN’s actions were targeted at staff from the Northern region, who have historically faced systemic marginalization and discrimination.
The group insisted that the layoffs, akin to recruitment processes, must comply with the Federal Character Principles intended to ensure equitable representation across geographical lines.
Danlami warned that any departure from this principle will be met with vehement resistance from the Arewa Youth Assembly.
“We call upon the CBN to demonstrate transparency by publishing the list of affected employees, broken down by state.
“This demand is rooted not in mere curiosity but in a need to hold the institution accountable to the public.
“The Federal Character Commission of Nigeria is designed to promote unity and fairness in the country, and any departure from this will be met with vehement resistance from us,” he said.
Consequently, the Arewa Youth Assembly urged the CBN to reconsider its decision, citing the need for alternative strategies that support employees and the economy at large.
“Instead of stringent measures that deepen economic despair, the CBN should consider alternatives aimed at supporting employees and the economy at large.
“A comprehensive strategy focusing on retraining and reskilling workers for new opportunities in emerging sectors could alleviate the immediate pressures of unemployment while also contributing to long-term economic growth,” Danlami added.
