The Arewa Christian Youth Leadership Forum has issued a scathing statement accusing the Member representing Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ali Isa, of placing personal interests above the collective welfare of his constituents.
Our correspondent reports that Isa is House of Representatives Minority Whip.
In a statement signed on Wednesday by ACYLF Chairman, Dunijir Gatama, the group said while it acknowledged the recent presidential assent to Hon. Ali’s Bill for the establishment of an orthopedic hospital, it believes the move falls far short of what is needed and exposes “a disturbing pattern of personal vendetta-driven politics.”
The statement partly read, “We commend the President for signing the Bill for an orthopedic hospital into law, but we must also point out that this project is a far cry from the broader, more impactful health and education initiatives that were championed by Hon. Victor during his time in office.”
Hon. Isa previously served in the House before being unseated by Hon. Victor, who represented the constituency from 2019 to 2023.
According to ACYLF, Hon. Victor’s tenure was marked by visionary legislation, including a Bill to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Billiri and another for a College of Dental Technology in Talasse—both of which have since stalled.
“The College of Dental Technology in Talasse wasn’t just another project—it was set to be the first of its kind in the entire North-East region. It would have positioned our region as a hub for advanced dental education, created jobs, and brought significant economic development. Hon. Ali has allowed such promising Bills to gather dust,” the forum added.
The group accused Isa of deliberately abandoning the two key Bills initiated by his predecessor out of what it described as “a deeply ingrained personal animosity.”
“This is not leadership. It is sabotage dressed in the robes of service,” Gatama said. “Instead of building on the foundations laid for a comprehensive Federal Medical Centre that would serve the diverse healthcare needs of our people—from surgery to pediatrics and emergency care—Hon. Ali has opted for a limited-scope orthopedic hospital, apparently in pursuit of personal recognition.”
The group further emphasised the inadequacy of Hon. Ali’s approach, warning that the constituency’s broader healthcare challenges cannot be solved with such a narrow intervention.
“Our people are not only suffering from orthopedic issues. We need a robust, multi-specialty health institution that can treat a wide range of ailments,” Gatama said. “The orthopedic hospital does not replace the need for a Federal Medical Centre—it only highlights how badly we’re being shortchanged.”
The youth forum also pointed to the stagnation of the proposed College of Dental Technology as another missed opportunity.
“That college would have empowered our youth with specialist skills, attracted investment, and given us a unique identity in the health education space. But all that has been lost to ego and petty rivalry,” the statement noted.
ACYLF is now calling on Isa to set aside “personal grievances” and act in the interest of the people.
“We urge Hon. Ali to embrace maturity and rise above political rivalries. The mandate he holds is not a personal trophy—it is a sacred trust from the people,” Gatama said.
The group concluded by reaffirming its commitment to holding leaders accountable while advocating for transformative development in Balanga/Billiri and beyond.
“Our constituency deserves visionary leadership, not vendetta politics. We will continue to speak out until public interest takes precedence over personal pride,” Gatama added.
Thanks for concern really appreciate