•Tinubu
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action to address what it describes as a pattern of lopsided federal appointments that disproportionately favor the South-West region, undermining Nigeria’s diversity and constitutional order.
In a statement issued today by its spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the NEF criticised the Tinubu administration for what it perceives as a sectional and regional approach to appointments since taking office in May 2023, reports The Nation.
The forum warned that this trend could erode Nigeria’s democratic integrity and threaten national unity.
Additionally, the NEF demanded the immediate disbandment of the newly inaugurated National Census Committee, citing concerns over its unclear mandate and the alleged usurpation of roles by unauthorized officials during the committee’s inauguration.
The forum also called for a comprehensive review of all federal appointments made to date and a commitment to ensuring equitable representation for all six of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones in future appointments.
Jiddere said: “NEF has observed with much dismay and regret, that since its coming to office, this administration has created some anomalies in the philosophy of governance which is characterized by arbitrary disdain for public opinion, a sense of impunity and lack of accountability to the norms of democratic governance which is reflected essentially in the respect for constitutionalism, rule of law and due process.
“This being the case, NEF finds it necessary to remind the government and the Nigerian public that Nigeria’s federal system is based on two principles – constitutionalism and inclusiveness.
“Our democracy is underpinned by the Federal Character Principle which is enshrined in our constitution. Therefore, all appointments into federal offices and the citing of federal projects must be predicated on these provisions and time honoured practices of government.
“Our democracy recognises the diversity and spread of our nation consisting of various ethnic and linguistic groups, regions and religious persuasions.
“As such, every appointment made by the president of this country should take these diversities into account. Our democracy is also underpinned by a social contract between the state and the people which is essentially what Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution stipulates.”
NEF expressed strong concern over what it called “a blatant disregard” for Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that federal appointments reflect Nigeria’s diversity to prevent domination by any single group.
NEF particularly criticised the composition of the recently inaugurated National Census Committee, calling it “grossly and blatantly lopsided in favour of the South-West,” and warned that its structure undermines the credibility of an exercise as sensitive as a national census.
Warning of potential instability if the status quo persists, the forum stressed that “continued disregard for the principles of equity, justice, and inclusivity threatens the very fabric of Nigeria’s unity.”
The Forum further reminded the Tinubu administration that its electoral victory in 2023 was made possible by nationwide support, with the North contributing the largest share of votes, adding that, “This should be a guiding principle, not a license to alienate other regions.
“From the foregoing, NEF calls for a holistic review and equitable redistribution of all federal appointments so far made in all the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to reflect true national diversity and constitutional compliance.
“It also calls for a more equitable and judicious allocation of all appointments to be made by the administration in future. The NEF warns that the continued disregard of the principles of equity, justice, and inclusivity threatens the very fabric of Nigeria’s unity.
“The sustained marginalisation of certain regions breeds resentment, deepens divisions, and could fuel avoidable instability in the country and also undermine our democracy.
“Nigeria is a diverse nation bound by a common destiny. Preserving its unity requires leadership that is fair, inclusive, and guided by the rule of law and respect for the provisions of the constitution of our country.”
Calling on the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, to fulfill its constitutional oversight role, the NEF urged lawmakers to ensure the executive arm of government complies with the rule of law and upholds the spirit of federalism.
