Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has advised President Bola Tinubu to avoid nepotism in key appointments, warning that filling important positions with people from one’s ethnic group is a common practice among African leaders that can have far-reaching consequences.
Sani made the call on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” program, urging Tinubu to be cautious and see his position as an opportunity to serve, rather than favoring individuals from his own ethnic group.
The president has faced criticism for alleged lopsided appointments, with accusations that he has appointed mainly individuals from his Yoruba ethnic group to key offices.
The senator also condemned the hypocrisy of some opposition politicians who remain silent on such issues when they benefit their own ethnic group but speak out when it doesn’t. “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,” he said.
Sani’s comments come amid ongoing debates about the federal character principle and the need for balanced representation in government appointments.
“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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