Former Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the National Assembly, has expressed concern over what he describes as a common practice among many African leaders, who often prioritize appointing individuals from their own ethnic group to key positions upon taking office.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Senator Sani advised President Bola Tinubu to avoid following this trend.
“I will say that President Asiwaju should also be very careful. He shouldn’t toe that line because it has been in African political geography that each time a person takes over position of office, he fills the major positions with people from his ethnic group and it is happening everywhere.
“So, people who find themselves in power should see it as an opportunity to serve not as those who have conquered and as such, they have to put their people everywhere,” Senator Sani said.
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President Bola Tinubu has faced criticism from various Nigerian figures, including opposition leaders and members of his own All Progressives Congress (APC), regarding his appointments.
They allege that his appointments disproportionately favor individuals from his Yoruba ethnic group. The Presidency has consistently denied these accusations.
APC Senator Ali Ndume has publicly criticized the Tinubu administration for violating the federal character principle in its appointments, warning of potential negative consequences if the trend is not addressed.
In response, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, issued a statement accusing Senator Ndume of hypocrisy and spreading misinformation.
During his appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Senator Shehu Sani condemned what he perceived as hypocrisy among some opposition politicians.
He noted that these individuals remained silent when similar lopsided appointments were made by leaders from their own ethnic groups, but became vocal when such actions were taken by someone from a different ethnic background.
“I would appreciate the morality of the opposition if I can hear your voice when your own man from your tribe, from your ethnic group were perpetrating those evil and you stood against it. And when you keep quiet when it favoured you and now you speak out when it doesn’t favour you, it means you have other intentions,” he said.
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