Some northern groups have slammed President Bola Tinubu over what they described as the dominance of the South-West in the appointment of heads of security agencies. They claimed that the appointments were a promotion of sectionalism in the country.
This came after the recent appointment of Adeola Ajayi as the new Director-General of the Department of State Services, just on the heels of the swearing-in of the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
In the past months, social media has been awash with criticism of Tinubu for allegedly favouring his kinsmen in his appointments. The current Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, is from Osun State, as is the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, hails from Ogun State.
Recall that the Northern Elders Forum had said it regretted supporting the President during the 2023 General Elections, adding that it would prioritise someone “more inclusive, less controversial, and more aligned with the interests of all regions of the country” in the 2027 polls.
Reacting to the recent appointments, the spokesman for the forum, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, said the matter was no longer an oversight, adding that it threatened the foundation of solidarity necessary for a diverse society.
He said, “The foundation of Nigeria’s political framework rests on the idea of inclusivity and mutual respect among its multi-ethnic populace. With over 250 ethnic groups, the essence of nation-building in Nigeria hinges on ensuring that every region feels represented and valued within the national discourse. The continuous appointment of Southwesterners to key government positions has led to frustrations among other regions, particularly the North, South-East, and South-South.
“This perceived imbalance is not merely a matter of political representation; it strikes at the core of Nigeria’s social fabric. When one section of the country feels marginalised or systematically ignored, it breeds discontent and can exacerbate regional tensions, ultimately threatening the country’s stability.”
Suleiman called for a more equitable approach to appointments, stressing the importance of reflecting Nigeria’s diverse population in its governance structures.
He stated that a government that appeared to neglect the principles of inclusivity risked breeding discontent and regionalism, which could further fragment the country’s social fabric.
The spokesman said, “It’s disappointing and calls for a more balanced approach that accommodates all regions equally. I emphasise the need for appointing qualified candidates based on competence rather than regional affiliation. This sentiment aligns with the broader calls from various sectors of society for transparency and accountability in government appointments, fostering an environment where meritocracy prevails.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said the recent appointments were an abuse of the provisions of the constitution. The ex-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Paul Ibe, said the APC-led administration introduced separatism policies into the country’s politics.
“The federal character, as enshrined in our constitution, is grossly abused by the present administration; the essence of that provision is to ensure that all the regions are represented in government,” he added.
He noted that nepotism and bigotry had taken over the running of the Federal Government under President Tinubu.
He said, “When you exclude other sections of the country from your government, you are inviting separatism and other agitations that are not developmental to the country.”
According to him, after elections are over, the business of government is no longer political, as government belongs to all Nigerians irrespective of their region, religion, and political affiliation.
“Instead of Mr President to unite the country for progress, he is dividing Nigeria along ethnicity and region,” he stated.
When asked to differentiate between former President Muhammadu Buhari’s policy of appointing only northern Muslims in key positions during his government, he said, “It is APC’s policies to divide the country on ethnic lines.”
“Check the appointments made under the PDP government, all ethnicities and regions were fully represented,” he said.
He explained that the appointments under the APC government were fashioned to divide Nigerians along ethnicity and regions.
Commenting on the matter, the Coalition of Northern Group warned President Tinubu to stop regionalism in his appointments.
The National Coordinator of the group, Jimilu Charanci, noted that regional, ethnic, religious, and tribal sentiments were playing a vital role in Nigeria’s democracy.
He said, “We have seen regionalism play a vital role in our democracy. Even in the last election, there was a complete section of the country that decided to vote on their own.
“As such, it is worrisome and disturbing that even as President Tinubu claims to be a promoter of democratic principles, going by his appointment based on regional sentiment, he is reducing himself to the level of playing regional democracy.
“Since President Tinubu decided to make the appointment based on regional sentiment, let him understand that he is undermining Nigeria’s democracy. And Nigerians are watching with keen interest, and there will be a time when Nigeria will feel what President Tinubu did to them.
“But if the appointments are based on competence, capacity, integrity, and respect for rules of law in the security sector, then let him understand that Nigerians are also watching with keen interest. And time will tell why he does all that appointment.”
Charanci stressed that it was the responsibility of Tinubu to safeguard and protect the lives of people in the country and ensure justice and fairness.
He also pointed out that the North held the engine room of election votes, which brought Tinubu to power.
“Let him understand that Nigerians gave him the mandate. Particularly, the northern part of the country gave the mandate with over 62 per cent of the total votes that made President Tinubu become the president of this country.
“Let him understand that we still hold the engine room of the Nigeria votes. If he tries to play a game with him, then definitely the northerners will not hesitate to reciprocate the gesture.”
The CNG leader emphasised that President Tinubu was voted to power “out of mercy” from northerners who wanted the country united.
Speaking on the matter, the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria expressed disappointment and concern over President Tinubu’s recent appointments, which it described as lopsided.
The National President of the NYCN, Isah Abubakar, said the appointments favoured the South-West, particularly the Yoruba, and neglected other regions.
Abubakar, who spoke with Sunday PUNCH in Kaduna on Friday, recalled that the council had previously criticised Buhari for similar nepotistic appointments, favouring the North.
He urged Tinubu to ensure fair and just representation in his appointments, promoting a united society for all citizens.
Abubakar stated that the recent appointment of the DSS DG, following the appointment of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, highlighted the regional representation imbalance of power by the President.
He emphasised that Nigeria, as a cosmopolitan entity, should have effective collaboration and synergy across its regions, without favouring any region or ethnic group.
But a presidential aide, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitive nature of the matter, insisted that Tinubu was unbiased with his appointment.
“What about the two ministers of defence, are they not part of the security architecture? The two ministers are Northerners and they are also part of the security architecture; they are the civilian heads”, he argued.
He insisted that Tinubu’s appointments were based on competence and merit, adding that it was unfair for people to accuse the President of bias in his appointments.
“There is a clear spread in the appointments of those in the security architecture, a spread of the ministers, and a spread of the heads of agencies. The President has the power to appoint whoever he thinks is competent for the job. His appointments have always been on competency and qualification and nobody has faulted those people (appointees) regarding professionalism and competence.
“Has anybody come out to say the new DSS DG is not qualified for the job? Has anybody come out to say the new NIA DG is not qualified for the job? In fact, I understand that DSS operatives were happy with the appointment, and the NIA officers were also happy. These are appointments from within; they are not even from outside, they are serving officers who were promoted, and nobody has faulted those appointments,” the source said.
