Presidency Defends Tinubu’s Security Appointments Amid Criticisms of Nepotism.
The Presidency, through Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, has defended recent security appointments amid accusations of nepotism and ethnic bias.
Critics have argued that the appointments predominantly favor the South-West, particularly the Yoruba ethnic group, sparking debate over equitable representation across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
The criticisms intensified following the recent appointment of Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff. In response, Dare provided a detailed breakdown of the appointments, noting that while the South-West indeed holds prominent roles, the North has a significant presence in the security apparatus.
Breakdown of Regional Representation in Security Roles
According to Dare, of the 22 major security positions, 15 are held by Northern representatives while 7 positions are allocated to the South. The North-West leads with eight roles, followed by the North-Central with four and North-East with three. In the South, the South-West holds five slots, while South-East and South-South each secure one position.
Among the notable positions in the South-West are key roles like the Chief of Army Staff, as well as heads of the Nigerian Police Force, DSS, Customs, and EFCC. Conversely, the North-West, which holds the highest regional share, oversees significant posts, including the Ministry of Defence, Defence Headquarters, and the Nigerian Air Force. Dare’s statement suggests that this distribution aims to maintain a balance in the national security structure.
Specific Roles by Region
Dare also detailed how other regions are represented:
- South-East: Leads the Nigerian Navy.
- South-South: Heads the Defence Intelligence Agency.
- North-East: Holds the positions of National Security Adviser and leadership of the NDLEA and NFIU.
- North-Central: Manages the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and additional security agencies.
Public Response and Continuing Discourse
The distribution has sparked public scrutiny over the perception of ethnic favoritism, with various groups questioning the balance in representation. However, Dare emphasized that the appointments are reflective of a broader national representation, despite the significant presence of the South-West in high-ranking roles.
As discussions continue, political analysts and stakeholders are watching closely for any adjustments or additional appointments that may address regional disparities in the country’s security leadership.
This matter remains a focal point of national debate, as observers weigh the government’s commitment to fair and inclusive representation within its security framework.
