A top northern politician, Bello Bala Shagari, faulted the allegation of ‘Yorubanisation agenda’ leveled against the President Bola Tinubu administration saying, rather, northerners are among the most powerful appointees at the federal level.
Shagari, a grandson of former President Shehu Shagari, calls the claim of ‘Yorubanisation agenda’ hearsay. “The truth is, even if anyone’s tries, the North cannot be neglected in terms of appointments as a result of its political relevance. As far as the eyes can see, northerners are well grounded in Tinubu’s government, as well as other sections of the country. So, it is just hearsay”.
A group which described itself as promoting the emancipation of the northern economy, Arewa Economic Forum, had accused President Bola Tinubu of ethnic bias in the selection of appointees into crucial positions in the economic sector.
The forum said the appointments showed that the President had special consideration for people from his South-West region, especially those with links to Lagos State. “We are afraid to state that a situation whereby the appointees in crucial economic sectors are not only from the South-West but also connected to the Lagos axis suggests a deliberate ‘Yorubanisation’ and ‘Lagoslisation’ of the polity,” Chairman of the forum, Ibrahim Shehu Yahaya, had said.
The Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) echoed similar sentiment when it said: ”Key appointments traversing the nation’s crucial security, judicial and economic sectors are now unabashedly cornered by the South-West region”.
Shagari said saying that President Tinubu’s policies have increased hardship in the land is akin to stating that medicine is bitter or that injections are painful, stating that naturally, remedies may not always be desirable, but they are necessary for wellness.
“ It is too early to pass judgment. Let’s allow the medicine to take effect first. After all, the ailment Nigeria is suffering from wasn’t contracted on June 12, 2023, when President Tinubu assumed office. The President inherited a substantial amount of baggage from the past administration, and in spite of that, the economy is beginning to recover and investor confidence is restored. But whatever we are going through now is something we must go through sooner than later. So President Tinubu has saved us from further deterioration and future suffering.
Shagari said that despite sharing the same party name, there’s a stark contrast between President Tinubu’s approach to the party and ex-President Buhari’s demeanor. And their leadership style differs.
“Electing a different party might not necessarily bring about a change in leadership style or policies, unlike the distinct ideological differences seen in American political parties. It is always about the man on the ticket in Nigeria. President Tinubu’s actions convey that he is engaged in a different political approach.
“And if you look at the Tinubu led government, you’ll see that there are no key persons from the past administration except a few. It is an almost completely different set of people. The man is visionary, he has a goal and knows how to achieve it.”
Shagari said that the opposition may always voice contrary opinions, but Tinubu’s administration stands out for its unprecedented inclusion of youth and women, embodying a commitment to innovative and inclusive governance.
“Critics often overlook the results-oriented nature of this setup. Take, for instance, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, a former APC critic, appointed based on merit and a drive for outcomes. Bosun and I had once had exchanges on Twitter conversations about the APC government but here we are today.
“Another illustration is Khalil Halilu, a 32-year-old heading the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, showcasing young talents excelling in their respective fields. There are several others. President Tinubu strategically positions these individuals in the tech and communication sector, demonstrating leadership through recognizing strengths and assigning appropriate responsibilities. So, Tinubu’s team not only instills hope but also serves as an inspiration.
Shagari said that the perception of alleged Yorubanisation of Tinubu’s government is unavoidable and this is why. “If the former occupants of some particular offices in the past administration were northerners, and another administration comes, will it be fair to replace them with another set of northerners? That is where the problem is.
“The precedent was set somewhere. In my own opinion, the President has even tried. Look at the setup of the Service Chiefs for instance. It was equally distributed even with the section of the country that didn’t really vote for him. While this perception may take time to correct, the evident equilibrium in appointments suggests a commitment to fostering inclusivity and fairness.
On the issues of balancing to reflect or better still accommodate Nigeria’s diversity, Shagari said that some of the most powerful people in Tinubu’s government are northerners. And what does it matter anyway?
“The geographical origin of appointees becomes inconsequential when considering past instances where concentrating security architecture favored the North but did not alleviate its insecurity. The truth is, even if anyone’s tries, the North cannot be neglected in terms of appointments as a result of its political relevance. As far as the eyes can see, northerners are well grounded in Tinubu’s government, as well as other sections of the country. So it is just hearsay.
“Before the coming of this administration, Nigeria was already very insecure-life was just one a penny. Would you say there’s been an improvement in the last five months?
“It is too early to judge. But if we must, at least, there hasn’t been a single case of kidnapping between Abuja-Kaduna highway since the coming of the new administration. This was very prevalent. There is also significant peace in the Niger Delta, even in the South- East. So something different is happening already and it is felt all over the country.
The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, according to Shagari, is adept at his role. “While I can’t assert closeness with the NSA, I’ve known him personally long before his appointment, and I’m familiar with his character. He enjoys a notable reputation; his standing requires no introduction. Presently, he’s actively involved, particularly with matters concerning young people.
“A telling sign of a forward-thinking leader in today’s context is their engagement with younger generations, indicating a readiness to adapt to the evolving times.
He adopts a distinct strategy in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges by not only addressing the symptoms but also delving into the root causes through socio-political solutions.
“While sharing this insight sparks caution, his recognition that relying solely on combative efforts won’t be enough is a hopeful sign. Nigerians would be wise to await results. Six months in office is relatively brief in the political landscape. The damage incurred over decades, for obvious reasons, cannot be swiftly undone.
“Despite criticisms of his approach, it begs the question: How can he effect change if he follows the same path as his predecessors? Does the same thing others have been doing? On our own part, we will do anything to support him.
“Lately, elected officials on the platform of opposition parties have had their victories nullified on grounds analysts have faulted. This has given rise to the suspicion that APC is indirectly moving against the opposition, using the judiciary…
“The responsibility to address this lies with the judiciary. Courts are transparent spaces, not hidden chambers. If you bring an APC analyst, he will also convince you that the courts are right. Analysts have their biases. But it is nothing new. Anyone who loses in court will cry foul. At times, success in elections isn’t solely about winning the votes. One might secure victory through dishonest means, and sometimes they field inept lawyers prone to court errors. When such mistakes occur, resulting in client losses, they begin to cry foul.
“Our courts base rulings on presented evidence, making the ability to prove one’s case crucial. So even if you’re right and you cannot prove it, you will be wronged. I think that is a systemic problem. It has nothing to do with APC. And APC will take advantage of any mistake anybody makes in court just as anybody else. That is politics. Unfortunately for the opposition, our new chairman is not willing to leave any stone unturned.