Human beings are such complicated creatures who can hardly be satisfied. And Nigerians, though great in mental capacity and wisdom, have proven to be amongst the most complicated of God’s creatures on earth. At least, I have come in contact with many races and nationalists of the world. And despite a natural phenomenon the criticism of every Nigerian government often takes different dimension whenever each government comes to power. The leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari is not different. It is on the limelight of this trend even as some citizens are merely proving to be the humans they are.
We can recall that the former President Goodluck Jonathan declared his government as the most criticized in the history of Nigeria. Today, the greatest criticism confronting the incumbent government is alleged skewed appointments in favour of the North. But fact and figures released by the presidency have proven otherwise. The second citizen of Nigeria, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo categorically debunked the claims with facts and figures. Even thence, claims and counter claims over the issue are yet to be doused despite several clear explanations by different organs of the government.
This allegation has been over-flogged, but it continues to resurface at national discourse, nearly three years after the government came to power. The more it is thought to be addressed, the more it pricks critics and opportunists. Some unrealistic claims put the appointments at 81 percent for the northern part of Nigeria. Groups and prominent citizens have taken position on this burning national issue. From all angles, analysis shows that the real talk is between about appointments of Christians and Muslims on one hand and about the appointments of northerners and southerners on the other hand.
Out of about 6,000 appointments announced by the government at its advent, occupied 157 positions were publicized in 2017 and it was discovered that the three geopolitical zones of the north had less numbers than the three of the south. The President promised to expand his government and at the end of December 2017, a large list of appointments of 209 board chairmen and 1,258 board members was publicized and quickly retrieved for review on discovery of some dead Nigerians in the list. The criticism intensified.
The vice president further explained that Buhari’s cabinet comprised 20 Christians and 18 Muslims with four of the five southeastern states having substantive ministers while seven northern states had ministers of state. Further analysis by the VP revealed that the number of Chief Executive Officers of federal agencies and parastatals is from Ogun state followed by Anambra; that is more than the number of those from Katsina State or anywhere. This is in addition to assigning three huge portfolios to a single minister from the Southwest and two other big portfolios to ministers from the zone. He reassured of the president’s stand to look into the security positions.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has often dismissed such claims. Putting the records straight that majority of the appointees across different portfolios are not from the north, he said the President remains committed to serving all Nigerians, no matter the tribe, ethnicity or region, and he is also determined to ensure that Nigeria remains strong and united.
But the Northern Nigeria Christian Politicians (NNCP) said the current government has addressed the “peculiarity of the Northern Nigerian Christian population” more than former Presidents Obasanjo and Goodluck. On the contrary, the Southeast Muslims of Nigeria (SEMON) wants such political opportunities granted Christians of Northern extraction.
Howbeit, the stand of many Nigerians is that Mr. President should, as a listening and compassionate leader, consider the continuous complaints on this matter and reflect federal character and religious balance to the best possible point. The suspicion of favouritism is overbearing to national interest. As he has promised, let him act for Nigeria to achieve greater peace and development under his leadership.
Muhammad Ajah,
Abuja.