Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has responded firmly to criticism from a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North-Central region, which accused him of underperformance in the face of growing humanitarian crises, particularly in his home state of Plateau.
In a statement released on Sunday, the North-Central APC Forum, led by Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, alleged that since Yilwatda’s appointment in October 2024, his ministry had shown little presence during multiple violent attacks and displacements in the region.
Citing National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) data, the group pointed to at least 52 deaths and over 1,800 displaced people between March 27 and April 2 in Plateau State.
“Seven months into his tenure, we are yet to feel the impact of the Minister, even in his home state,” the forum said.
They also criticized Yilwatda for not visiting affected communities and noted that it was the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, who visited Bokkos Local Government Area in December 2024.
“It is disheartening that someone entrusted with national humanitarian responsibilities has shown minimal visibility and action,” the forum said.
They further alleged that Yilwatda’s low public profile might be linked to his defeat in the 2023 Plateau governorship race, implying political motives could be shaping his performance.
Responding in a phone interview on Monday, Yilwatda dismissed the accusations as politically motivated.
He stated that he had visited several crisis-affected areas, including Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and the Katako market following a fire incident, providing food, construction materials, and other forms of support.
“I want you to go to the communities attacked to confirm whether I’ve done anything or not,” he said. “I’ve been to Bokkos twice and delivered rice, roofing sheets, cement, and foodstuffs.
I’ve also joined the Minister of Defence on some visits. There are videos.”
He added that he preferred to let his actions speak for themselves rather than publicize his interventions.
“Let the people in these communities talk. My record is clear and open to verification.”
Yilwatda also questioned the motives of his critics, suggesting that their statements were more about political rivalry than genuine concern.
“This is the season of politics. But let’s not be armchair critics.
What has that group done for the APC in the areas they claim to represent?”
The minister assumed office after replacing Senator Simon Lalong, who returned to the Senate following a Supreme Court ruling.
The exchange underscores growing tensions within the North-Central APC as regional representation and humanitarian issues increasingly take center stage in federal discourse.