President Bola Tinubu’s recent appointments have sparked controversy over the violation of Nigeria’s federal character principle. Critics, including Senator Ali Ndume, accuse him of favoring certain regions, while the presidency defends the choices, citing national interests. This growing debate questions the inclusiveness of Tinubu’s government.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s latest round of federal appointments has stirred fresh conversations across Nigeria, especially concerning the constitutional principle of federal character, which calls for balanced regional representation in national leadership.
Senator Ali Ndume from Borno South voiced concerns, claiming that recent selections do not fairly represent the country's diverse geopolitical zones. Citing Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, he argued that governance should reflect the inclusiveness of all regions to maintain national unity.
However, the Presidency dismissed the allegations. In a statement, Presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga labeled Ndume’s remarks as politically motivated and lacking substance, urging public focus on qualifications and merit over regional calculations.
Amid this national discourse, here are 10 recent presidential appointees and the Nigerian states they come from:
- Ayo Sotinrin – Ondo State (South-West):
Appointed Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, with a strong background in infrastructure and finance. - Bashir Bayo Ojulari – Kwara State (North-Central):
Now heads NNPC Limited as Group Chief Executive Officer, bringing experience from energy and investment sectors. - Binta Masi Garba – Adamawa State (North-East):
Assigned as Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Ekiti. - Bishop Matthew Kukah – Kaduna State (North-West):
Became Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, bringing moral leadership and public service to academia. - Prof. Fatiu Abiola Arogundade – Lagos State (South-West):
Named the first Vice-Chancellor of the new Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences in Ogun State. - Prof. Attahiru Jega – Kebbi State (North-West):
Former INEC chairman appointed as Special Adviser on Livestock Reform, focusing on modernizing Nigeria’s livestock industry. - Ahmadu Musa Kida – Borno State (North-East):
Installed as NNPC Board Chairman, with an engineering and petroleum background. - Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe – Kwara State (North-Central):
Selected as Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), leveraging both medical and legislative experience. - Felix Morka – Delta State (South-South):
Named Chairman of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), known for his communication and policy work. - Fatuhu Mohammed Buhari – Katsina State (North-West):
Appointed Director-General of the National Agricultural Seed Council, with a mandate to boost agricultural innovation.
