Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by Antoeni(m): 5:49am On Sep 01 |
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.”
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. https://punchng.com/northern-groups-allege-tinubus-kinsmen-dominating-security-agencies/ 3 Likes 2 Shares
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Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by Abdul05: 5:51am On Sep 01 |
The northern fanatics have started reading tribal domination into action and inaction of tinubu... ![grin](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/grin.png) Nigerians understand their feelings..it was due to their loss of political power.. ![grin](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/grin.png) If power can not remain in the north ..Nigerian military should take over..it seems they have it in their minds 116 Likes 14 Shares |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by Chimarto: 5:54am On Sep 01 |
You people brought him so why cry? 59 Likes 5 Shares |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by Xxxxtentacion2: 5:56am On Sep 01 |
If Tinubu manages to convince northerners to vote for him then it is obvious the northerners are not smart. Tinubu can't convince a five year old kid to vote for him because the truth is obvious Tinubu is a bad leader. 81 Likes 9 Shares |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by happney65: 5:56am On Sep 01 |
These ones were in Kosovo when Buhari was doing the same?
Una dey craze 214 Likes 26 Shares |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by Ennyjude(f): 6:39am On Sep 01 |
Una too do o 10 Likes |
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Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by Aboks(m): 6:55am On Sep 01 |
Super story 9 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by jmoore(m): 6:56am On Sep 01 |
Tinubu is a weapon fashioned against Nigeria. He's putting relevant people that are necessary to destroy Nigeria.
That's why terrorists are doing promo up and down. 15 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by diamond68: 6:57am On Sep 01 |
![grin](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/grin.png) aboki sit yua pipe kobo ass down somewhere 13 Likes |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by Lifestone(m): 6:58am On Sep 01 |
They mentioned only 3 including Custom ( which they thought was their father's right). I think Tinubu is fair compared to what Buhari did. 350 Likes 34 Shares |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by strangest(m): 7:01am On Sep 01 |
You don't mean it... Where were they when Buhari did worse?
They say you don't talk while eating.... They have finish eating that's why they are complaining 65 Likes 4 Shares |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by Ijeshalomo(m): 7:01am On Sep 01 |
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Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by illicit(m): 7:02am On Sep 01 |
They are not wise... 53 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by horsepower102: 7:02am On Sep 01 |
Kettle calling pot black.
When tinubu told them that he will continue from where buhari stopped, what were they thinking.
There is a reason Tinubu kept quiet while buhari was dismantling federal character in his appointment.
Tinubu was patiently waiting for his turn to do the same. 47 Likes 6 Shares |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by nellybadas: 7:02am On Sep 01 |
First to do no dey pain. Unserious bunch 29 Likes 5 Shares |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by letitrainnow(m): 7:03am On Sep 01 |
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. 3 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by Segzy19: 7:03am On Sep 01 |
Me singing - Dem go feel it!
They can cry till Jesus comes.... 9 Likes |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by Gadafii: 7:03am On Sep 01 |
I am not a tinubu supporter, but the north should stfu They had Buhari for 8 years, how did that better their lives ![](/faces/huh.png) 36 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by Alliswell248: 7:04am On Sep 01 |
These people and their hypocrisy...... Some positions are quite sensitive to entrust in the hands of just anybody. 18 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by victorDanladi: 7:04am On Sep 01 |
But were quiet when buhari was doing his own.
No southern president will ever be your slave!
Are NSA,NIA,CDS,the two minister of defense in charge of the money not from the North?
Una father!
42 Likes 4 Shares |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by yemmywesey(m): 7:04am On Sep 01 |
But you northerners too, you always do more than that when you are also in power, example failure buhari. 15 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by EyeCumInPeace: 7:04am On Sep 01 |
Thïefnubu is no where near being a Leader. He is at best a Tribal Chief. ![grin](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/grin.png) 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by IamObidientBut: 7:05am On Sep 01 |
Make una dey play. We must continue to teach Peter Obi and the Igbos some political lessons 8 Likes 2 Shares |
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Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by LZAA: 7:06am On Sep 01 |
"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” 😆😆😆😆😆 7 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by Mercylike: 7:06am On Sep 01 |
Should it have been aboki again?
For years, only southwest and south south south have been peaceful.. 2 Likes |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by dynicks(m): 7:06am On Sep 01 |
People of the SE staring at stunts these regions keeps pulling upon themselves......
Scoreline Remains the equal...... 18 Likes 3 Shares
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Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by LZAA: 7:06am On Sep 01 |
letitrainnow: 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.
![grin](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/grin.png) |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by victorDanladi: 7:07am On Sep 01 |
EyeCumInPeace:
Thïefnubu is no where near being a Leader. He is at best a Tribal Chief. ![grin](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/grin.png) 3 Likes 1 Share
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Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by Alliswell248: 7:08am On Sep 01 |
letitrainnow: 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.
And who could that be? None other than Jagaban. He is fair. NSA - Northerner Air force - Northern NIA - Northerner Civil Defense - Northerner 8 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Northern Groups Allege Tinubu’s Kinsmen Dominating Security Agencies by Emeskhalifa(m): 7:08am On Sep 01 |
Isn't nepotism the normal thing in Nigeria? Didn't the past governments do the samething? Obi or whoever gets to be president will do the same damn thing. Ain't no fuckin saint in this 3rd world country ![cry](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/cry.gif) 4 Likes |