In response to the recent criticism directed at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allegedly prioritizing political appointments from the southwest, Senator Shehu Sani, a former federal lawmaker, has openly stated that the level of favoritism seen under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government was significantly more alarming.
Tinubu’s Administration Under Fire
As discussions heat up surrounding President Tinubu’s federal appointments, many political stakeholders, particularly from the north, have raised concerns about regional imbalance. One of the most vocal critics has been Senator Ali Ndume, who recently labeled Tinubu’s administration as “non-inclusive.”
Shehu Sani’s Rebuttal on Channels TV
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Shehu Sani reminded the nation of the past, stressing that many Nigerians seem to have forgotten how heavily biased Buhari’s government was in terms of key federal roles.
“Nigerians tend to forget too quickly. The lopsided nature of appointments during Buhari’s era was worse than what we see now,” Sani said.
Breakdown of Appointments Under Buhari’s Government
Shehu Sani backed his claims by listing top appointments that originated predominantly from Buhari’s home state of Katsina. Below are some notable examples he referenced:
- SSS DG (Daura) – From Katsina
- NIA DG (Rufai) – From Katsina
- Managing Director of NPA (Hadiza) – From Katsina
- Federal Mortgage Bank Director – From Katsina
- SMEDAN – From Katsina
- FRCN – From Katsina
- NIMET, NIMASA, and Railway Corporation – All headed by individuals from Katsina
Additionally, Shehu Sani emphasized how the national security architecture during Buhari’s time was overwhelmingly dominated by northern figures:
- Controller General of Immigration – Babandede (North)
- Customs Boss – Hamid Ali (North)
- NSCDC Commandant – Audi (North)
- FRSC Chairman – From northern Nigeria
- IGP – Alkali Baba (North)
- Chief of Army and Naval Staffs – Both northern
Critics Silent During Buhari’s Rule, Now Speaking Out
Shehu Sani expressed frustration over the selective outrage coming from political elites in the north. He stated that those who now criticize Tinubu had been silent when similar favoritism benefited their own region under Buhari.
“If you were quiet when Buhari favored your region, you lose the moral right to now cry foul,” he declared.
Caution to President Tinubu: Avoid Buhari’s Path
While defending President Tinubu, Sani did not give a blank check. He urged the current administration to steer clear of regional bias and work toward inclusive governance.
“Two wrongs don’t make a right,” he said. “Buhari set a troubling example. Tinubu must avoid continuing down that road.”
Sani added that Nigeria’s unity is fragile and can’t survive another era of political favoritism.
Conclusion: A Call for National Unity Over Regional Politics
Senator Sani’s position is clear — while he doesn’t excuse President Tinubu’s administration from its duty to be inclusive, he believes it is disingenuous to condemn Tinubu without acknowledging the deeper nepotism embedded during Buhari’s administration. He concluded by encouraging President Tinubu to embrace national unity and balance political representation for the country’s stability.
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