Critics Attacking Tinubu for His Southern Origin - Onanuga's Insight
In a recent statement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has defended the Tinubu administration against accusations of regional bias, particularly concerning federal appointments.
Onanuga emphasized that the President is working tirelessly to address the country's challenges, including security, economy, and infrastructure. He highlighted improvements in national security, specifically citing safer routes in Birnin Gwari and Igabi (in Kaduna) as evidence of progress.
However, when asked about the current distribution of key appointments in the security architecture, Onanuga remained silent. It is worth noting that the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, and both Defence Ministers are currently held by Northerners.
Onanuga accused some Northern elites of attempting to create division under the guise of regional marginalisation. He dismissed claims of marginalisation by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) as politically motivated lies aimed at discrediting a Southern President.
Onanuga urged Northern political leaders to allow Tinubu to enjoy his tenure, as Southerners waited patiently during the eight years of former President Muhammadu Buhari. He also challenged critics to back their claims that federal appointments have been skewed in favor of the South-West with verifiable data.
Despite calls for transparency, Onanuga did not mention any specific data to back claims that federal appointments have been skewed in favor of the South-West. The ACF's position, according to Onanuga, is a veiled attempt to undermine the Southern presidency.
It is important to note that the Nigerian federal appointment system traditionally considers geo-political balance, requiring ministerial positions and key federal posts to reflect the country’s diverse states and regions. However, no such specific detailed data or analysis is currently available for the Tinubu administration.
As the Tinubu administration continues to face scrutiny, the need for transparency and fact-based discussions becomes increasingly important. Until more detailed information is available, the allegations of regional bias in federal appointments remain unverified.
[1] Source: [Link to the source] [2] Source: [Link to the source]
- The Tinubu administration, under President Bola Tinubu, is working diligently to tackle the challenges facing Nigeria, such as security, economy, and infrastructure, as declared by Bayo Onanuga.
- In a statement, Onanuga pointed to improvements in national security, including safer routes in Birnin Gwari and Igabi, as evidence of the administration's progress.
- However, when asked about the distribution of key security appointments, Onanuga remained silent, with all four top positions currently held by Northerners.
- Onanuga criticized Northern elites for attempting to create divisions under the guise of regional marginalization and dismissed accusations from the Arewa Consultive Forum as politically motivated lies.
- Onanuga challenged critics to provide verifiable data to support claims that federal appointments have been skewed in favor of the South-West, urging Northern political leaders to give Tinubu's presidency a chance.
- Despite calls for transparency, no specific data has been presented to support claims about the skewing of federal appointments towards the South-West, leaving the allegations of regional bias unverified.
- The Nigerian federal appointment system traditionally considers geo-political balance, requiring ministerial positions and key federal posts to reflect the country’s diverse states and regions, but no detailed data is available for the Tinubu administration yet.
[1] Source: [Link to the source] [2] Source: [Link to the source]
