Tinubu’s ‘clannish’ nominations are criticized by Progressive Change Ambassadors.

The Progressive Change Ambassadors of Nigeria PCAN, a frontline support group inside the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, has criticised the unbalanced character of some appointments made by President Bola Tinubu since taking office on May 29.

The group’s viewpoint was expressed in an open letter to the president dated September 19, 2023, and signed by its Executive Director Alhaji Abdulkareem Ubaydah and Secretary Muhammad Rabiu Awwal.

The letter, titled “Imbalances in Appointments: This is Not How to Restore Our Hopes,” urged the president to look beyond his Yoruba ethnic group and run a government that was inclusive of all groups.

“Congratulations once again, Mr. President, on your momentous victory in the February 25, 2023 Presidential election and the subsequent legal affirmation of your seismic victory by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal PEPT just recently,” one section of the letter reads.

“Mr President, we write to you today as concerned Nigerians and deeply troubled members of your party, the All Progressives Congress APC, to express our deep concern about perceived imbalances in your political appointments thus far.”

“We have noticed that a significant majority of these appointments have come from your southwest geopolitical zone, particularly from your ethnic group – the Yoruba, to the exclusion of other qualified and competent individuals from other parts of the country.” This has resulted in widespread emotions of alienation and animosity among Nigerians throughout the country.

“While we recognize that you have the right to appoint people in whom you have faith and trust, we as stakeholders in the political party through which you were elected President of Nigeria reserve the right to urge you to consider the importance of national unity and inclusiveness in your appointments.”

“It is critical to remember that you are President of all Nigerians, not just Yorubas in the Southwest geopolitical zone.” As a result, your political nominations should reflect the variety of our country and ensure that all Nigerians have a voice in your administration.

“Unfortunately, your appointments have fallen far short of this standard to date.” For example, management of Nigeria’s economy has been handed entirely to South-west Yoruba’s, who have filled all posts in that sector.

“In addition, 15 of your 20 presidential aides are from your geopolitical zone and ethnicity.” In addition, eight of the recently appointed Presidential Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants are Yorubas from the South-West! It is also worth noting that the Inspector General of Police, Controller General of Nigeria Customs, Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, and Chief of Army Staff are all members of your ethnic group.

“These are obvious imbalances that signal your unwillingness to build a united and inclusive Nigeria.”

“We do not need to remind you, Mr. President, of the circumstances surrounding your election victory, in which the South-West, propagated by divisive, faith-based political rhetoric from the opposition, appeared to abandon you to your fate, leaving the other geopolitical zones, particularly the North-West and North-Central, to do the heavy lifting required for your victory in terms of votes.” Shunning them in favor of others who stood by and did pitifully little is not the way to honor their huge effort of love on your behalf.

“We urge you to reconsider your approach to political appointments and to make a concerted effort to include people from all geopolitical zones in your administration.” This is critical for fostering trust and ensuring that all Nigerians believe they are represented in their government. This is the only way to ensure that all Nigerians have an equal opportunity to contribute to our country’s progress and live in a united and successful nation.

“One of the President’s responsibilities is to ensure that the government is representative of the people.” You will fulfil this duty and live up to the pledge you swore as President by appointing persons from all geopolitical zones. This is the only way to ensure that all Nigerians have an equal opportunity to contribute to our country’s progress and live in a united and successful nation.