President Tinubu’s Appointments Spark Controversy: Allegations of Pro-Ethnic Bias

President Tinubu’s recent appointments, which include Olayemi Cardoso as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Zachaeus Adedeji as the acting Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), have ignited allegations of promoting a pro-ethnic agenda.

Concerns surrounding these appointments are gaining momentum, with the Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) criticizing the selections and highlighting the overrepresentation of Southwest appointees and the underrepresentation of the Southeast.

HURIWA’s Call on President Tinubu to Ensure Equitable Representation in Nigeria’s Leadership Roles

HURIWA, in its impassioned plea for a more inclusive governance model, underscores the pivotal role such an approach plays in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic stability and ensuring the nation’s future as a united and cohesive entity. The group brings to the forefront the observation that significant appointments across crucial sectors, including security, the judiciary, and the economy, appear to be increasingly concentrated in the Southwest region of Nigeria. This trend, as per HURIWA’s analysis, raises valid concerns about equitable representation and balanced decision-making.

An examination of the concentration of key positions in the government reveals a notable dominance from the Southwest region. Prominent figures like the Petroleum Minister associated with Tinubu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Michael Cardoso, among others, all hail from this region.

Furthermore, this trend extends to other significant roles in the government, including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy Bosun Tijanni, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, Chief of Army Staff General Taoreed Lagbaja, Police Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, and Comptroller General of Immigration Adepoju Carol Wura ola, among several others, solidifying the concentration of power within the Southwest region.

While it is essential to acknowledge that President Tinubu has appointed individuals from various regions of Nigeria, it is equally important to address the concerns of the South East geopolitical zone, which, once again, finds itself with limited representation in these key positions. This apparent dearth of representation in significant government roles has triggered not only disappointment but also a growing sense of concern among stakeholders who believe in the importance of fostering national unity and ensuring that all regions have a voice in shaping the country’s future.