Nigeria’s appointment landscape has shifted—from regional balance under Buhari to perceived ‘Yorubanisation’ under Tinubu. Here’s how the media’s changing tone mirrors political realignment.
Public appointments in Nigeria have always been a sensitive subject. Under former President Muhammadu Buhari, criticism of nepotism and ethnic bias dominated headlines. Today, under President Bola Tinubu, a similar pattern has emerged—this time under the term “Yorubanisation”. What’s more striking is the media’s evolving response, once vociferous on Buhari’s bias, now seemingly muted on Tinubu’s. Here's a detailed comparison, underpinned by recent verified reports and analysis, crafted to engage, inform, and generate dialogue.
1. Buhari’s Appointments: Highlighting Regional Dominance
During Buhari’s administration, a remarkable geographic skew emerged in high-profile federal appointments:
According to Daily Trust, the South West secured the largest share—33.7% of ministers and aides—followed by the North West (19.5%) and North East (15.3%). The South East languished with just 7.9%. Within states, Ogun led with 17 appointees, while Imo had only 15—among the lowest.
Southern leaders were so displeased they filed a lawsuit in 2020, alleging Buhari had marginalized the South through repeated lopsided appointments.
On the security front, between 2015 and 2020, only 2 of the 8 chief security positions were held by Southerners; 75% of leadership in security and paramilitary agencies came from the North.
Hallmark News revealed deeper fault lines: despite the South South’s importance in oil production, the South East received minimal representation.
This concentration of power prompted persistent coverage and heated debate, casting Buhari as a leader favoring Northern states.
2. Tinubu’s Appointments: The Rise of ‘Yorubanisation’
Under Tinubu, critics see the pendulum swinging sharply to the South West:
HURIWA (Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria) has condemned the administration’s pattern of appointing predominantly Yoruba individuals, citing the nominations of Olayemi Cardoso as CBN Governor and Zachaeus Adedeji to head FIRS as evident examples of ethnic favoritism.
The Arewa Economic Forum raised alarms over “Yorubanisation” and “Lagoslisation,” especially in finance and ICT sectors, areas strategically vital to economic direction.
Daily Trust reaffirmed this narrative, reporting that a significant portion of Tinubu’s top-level appointments are from his South West region, intensifying the perception of ethnic bias.
In one striking case, only 6 out of 10 newly appointed agency heads were from the South West; none represented the South East or South South despite those regions’ economic significance.
AHR (Africa Health Report) went further, calling Tinubu’s pattern of appointments “nepotism pro-max,” flagging disregard for the federal character principle and noting even his son-in-law’s appointment to the Federal Housing Authority raised eyebrows.
3. Media Response: Former Vigilance, Present Silence?
Ironically, despite mounting evidence and valid scrutiny, the press appears less vigorous in challenging Tinubu’s appointment strategy:
During Buhari’s term, media were relentless—exposing regional imbalances and pushing Northern grievances into courtroom challenges and parliamentary debates.
Now, early watchdog voices like HURIWA and regional forums are sounding the alarm, yet mainstream coverage seems quieter, conveying either fatigue or alignment with current power structures.
Olufemi Aduwo, representing the Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity, cautions against scapegoating the Yoruba community, advocating instead that critiques target Tinubu personally—not an entire ethnic group.
4. Implications for National Unity and Governance
Federal Character Undermined: Both administrations arguably compromised the federal character principle, risking alienation of underrepresented regions.
Erosion of Meritocracy: When appointments are perceived as ethnically driven, trust in governance decreases and efficiency is jeopardized.
Weak Media Accountability: A free press should remain vigilant, especially against ethnic bias and power consolidation. Silence allows inequity to flourish.
From Buhari’s dominance of appointments skewed toward the South West and North to Tinubu’s broad pattern of favouring Yoruba elites, the narrative remains the same: ethnic favoritism undermines the unity and trust essential to Nigeria’s progress. Even more concerning is how media once bold in holding power to account seems to have gone quiet. As citizens, bloggers, and journalists, our duty is to amplify these imbalances, demand equitable distribution of power—and hold both current and future leaders to the ideals of fairness, competence, and national unity.
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