Tinubu's Appointments Under Fire: Shehu Sani Calls Out Northerners for Hypocrisy

Tinubu's Appointments Under Fire: Shehu Sani Calls Out Northerners for Hypocrisy

A heated debate has erupted over President Bola Tinubu's appointment choices, with several northern groups accusing him of nepotism. However, former federal lawmaker Shehu Sani has swiftly countered these criticisms, pointing out the noticeable silence of northerners during President Muhammadu Buhari's tenure.

Sani took to social media to express his thoughts, praising the Afenifere group, a Yoruba Pan-African sociopolitical organization, for speaking out against Tinubu's allegedly lopsided appointments. "The Afenifere group from the South West has raised a voice against lopsided federal appointments, despite that it benefits its region. Their northern counterpart that is now talking kept mute when it was happening under the past leadership," he wrote.

Ibrahim Dandakata, chairman of the Arewa Economic Forum (AEF), recently accused Tinubu of deliberately favoring Yoruba individuals, particularly those from Lagos, in key positions . This criticism echoes concerns about the federal character clause in Section 14(3) of the Constitution, which aims to promote national unity and prevent dominance by a few states or ethnic groups.

Under Buhari's administration, similar accusations of nepotism and lopsided appointments were raised. Critics pointed out that the majority of appointments were given to northerners, with the Southeast and South-south having marginal representation ¹. The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) noted that Buhari's appointments breached the Federal Character clause.

Sani's statement highlights the perceived hypocrisy of northerners who remained silent during Buhari's tenure but now vocalize concerns under Tinubu's leadership. "Many people are happier when they enter into an office and see a man from their ethnic group at the helm of affairs. That is the seed of nepotism," he noted.

This controversy underscores the ongoing struggle for balance and representation in Nigeria's federal appointments. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the nation's leadership must prioritize national unity and fairness in its decision-making processes.