The Nigerian Presidency recently released a comprehensive list detailing President Bola Tinubu's appointments to date, aiming to address and dispel allegations of regional bias in the selection process. This initiative, led by Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications and Orientation, sought to provide transparency and clarity regarding the administration's commitment to equitable representation across Nigeria's diverse regions.
However, the omission of Femi Gbajabiamila, a prominent figure and one of President Tinubu's earliest appointees, has drawn significant attention and raised questions about the completeness and accuracy of the list. Gbajabiamila was appointed as Chief of Staff to the President on June 2, 2023, a role that places him at the heart of the administration's operations and strategy.
The released list indicates that the South West region has 29 appointees, a figure that surpasses the 24 previously stated by Dare. This discrepancy has led to renewed discussions about the regional distribution of key positions within the government. Critics have voiced concerns over a perceived favoritism towards the South West, especially in light of Gbajabiamila's exclusion from the official record.
In response to these concerns, Sunday Dare emphasized that the administration's appointments are grounded in merit and competence, rather than regional affiliations. He provided a detailed breakdown of the regional distribution of security agency heads:
North West: Eight positions
South West: Five positions
North Central: Four positions
North East: Three positions
South South and South East: One position each
Dare's intent was to illustrate the administration's dedication to a balanced and inclusive approach in its appointments. He stated, "Facts do not lie. Below we see laid bare the facts about the regional outlook of President Tinubu's appointments within 20 security agencies. The label of him favouring Yorubas in the Security set up does not fit. Nigeria we hail thee!"
Despite these clarifications, the absence of Gbajabiamila's name from the official list remains a point of contention. Observers and political analysts are calling for a revision of the document to ensure it accurately reflects all appointments, thereby upholding the principles of transparency and accountability that the administration advocates.
As the discourse continues, it underscores the critical importance of meticulous record-keeping and clear communication in governance. Ensuring that official documents comprehensively and accurately represent governmental actions is essential in building and maintaining public trust.
Keywords: Femi Gbajabiamila, Presidency appointment list, regional representation, Nigerian government appointments, Sunday Dare, Bola Tinubu administration, transparency in governance, Chief of Staff omission, regional distribution of appointments, public trust in government
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