The Progressive Change Ambassadors of Nigeria (PCAN), a frontline support group within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has faulted the lopsided nature of several appointments made by President Bola Tinubu since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.
In an open letter to the president dated September 19, 2023 and signed by its Executive Director Alhaji Abdulkareem Ubaydah and Secretary, Muhammad Rabiu Awwal, the group expressed its deep concern about the “perceived imbalances in your political appointments so far.”
The letter reads in part:
We have observed that a significant majority of these appointments have been made from your southwest geopolitical zone and especially from your ethnic group – the Yoruba, to the exclusion of other qualified and competent individuals from other parts of the country. This has led to widespread feelings of alienation and resentment among Nigerians from other parts of the country.
The group noted that while the president is entitled to appoint people he trusts and believes in, it urged him to consider the importance of national unity and inclusiveness in his appointments.
It is important to remember always that you are the President of all Nigerians, not just that of Yorubas of the Southwest geopolitical zone. Your political appointments should therefore reflect the diversity of our nation and ensure that all Nigerians have a voice in your government.
The group also pointed out that the president’s appointments to date have fallen far short of this standard, citing the fact that control of Nigeria’s economy has been ceded exclusively to South-west Yorubas, as well as the fact that 15 of the 20 presidential aides appointed by the president are from his geopolitical zone and ethnicity.
These are clear imbalances which send a message that you are not committed to building a united and inclusive Nigeria.
The group urged the president to reconsider his approach to political appointments and to make a concerted effort to include people from all geopolitical zones in his government.
This is essential for building trust and ensuring that all Nigerians feel represented in their government. This is the only way to ensure that all Nigerians have a fair chance to contribute to the development of our country and to live in a united and prosperous nation.
Implications for National Unity
The PCAN’s letter raises serious concerns about the potential implications of President Tinubu’s lopsided appointments for national unity.
Nigeria is a diverse country with over 250 ethnic groups and 500 languages. It is important for the government to reflect this diversity in its appointments, so that all Nigerians feel represented and have a stake in the country.
When one ethnic group or region is perceived to be dominating the government, it can lead to feelings of alienation and resentment among other groups. This can undermine national unity and create a fertile ground for conflict.
President Tinubu’s appointments are particularly concerning given the country’s recent history of ethnic and religious violence. In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed the rise of militant groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which have exploited ethnic and religious divisions to recruit members and carry out attacks.
If President Tinubu’s lopsided appointments are not addressed, they could further exacerbate these divisions and create a more conducive environment for extremist groups to operate.
suggestions
It is important for President Tinubu to take the PCAN’s concerns seriously and to make a concerted effort to include people from all geopolitical zones in his government.
This can be done by:
- Establishing a clear policy on diversity and inclusion in appointments.
- Appointing a diverse team of advisors to help him identify and recruit qualified candidates from all parts of the country.
- Reaching out to leaders of other ethnic and religious groups to solicit their recommendations for appointments.
- Making a public commitment to national unity and inclusiveness.
By taking these steps, President Tinubu can help to build trust and ensure that all Nigerians feel represented in their government. This is essential for maintaining national unity and preventing conflict in a diverse country like Nigeria.
