REVEALED IMBALANCE: Tinubu’s Men Driving Nigeria (List)

The Nigeria Presidency, represented by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has released a list of the President’s appointments to date in an effort to address claims of imbalanced appointments.

According to the list, the South West seems to have the highest appointees from the President.

The South East has a lower number of appointments.

Additionally, it is alleged that the South West, from which the President hails, holds the majority of significant appointments in ‘juicy’ positions.

Nepotism, the practice of favoring relatives or friends by giving them positions or advantages, has become a pervasive issue in Nigeria’s political landscape. This phenomenon not only undermines the principles of meritocracy but also exacerbates the existing inequalities within the country, leading to a host of consequences that affect governance, national unity, and the socio-economic development of the populace.

In Nigeria, nepotism can be observed in various sectors, particularly within the federal government. Appointments to key positions often prioritize personal relationships and ethnic affiliations over qualifications and experience. This has led to the emergence of political elites who wield significant power and choice over public resources, often sidelining more skilled or experienced candidates in pursuit of familial loyalty or political patronage.

One of the most pressing issues arising from nepotism is the lopsided nature of federal appointments in Nigeria. The federal system is designed to ensure representation from the diverse ethnic and regional backgrounds of the country. However, there are frequent accusations that appointments are heavily skewed towards specific regions or ethnic groups, primarily those that are politically connected to the ruling elites.

Here is the list of Tinubu’s appointments to date:

South West:

1. Bosun Tijani – Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy
2. Wale Edun – Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy
3. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo – Minister of Interior
4. Adebayo Adelabu – Minister of Power
5. Dele Alake – Minister of Solid Minerals Development
6. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole – Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment
7. Adegboyega Oyetola – Minister of Marine & Blue Economy
8. Olayemi Cardoso – CBN Governor
9. Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja – Chief of Army Staff
10. Kayode Egbetokun – Inspector General of Police
11. Zaccheus Adedeji – Chairman, FIRS
12. Adeola Ajayi – Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS)
13. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi – Comptroller-General of Customs
14. Olanipekun Olukoyede – Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
15. Kayode Isiak Opeifa – Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation
16. Oluwasegun Faleye – Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund
17. Vincent Olatunji (NSITF)
18. Raji Kazeem Kolawole – Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT)
19. Bayo Onanuga – Director General, National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI)
20. Sunday Dare – Special Adviser on Information and Strategy
21. Tope Kolade Fasua – Special Adviser on Public Communications Orientation
22. Peju Adedajo – Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters (Office of the VP)
23. Temitola Asekunle-Johnson – Senior Special Assistant to the President on Investment & Privatisation (Office of VP)
24. Mariam Temitope – Senior Special Assistant to the President, Job Creation & NSMEs (Office of VP)
25. Tunde Rahman – Senior Special Assistant to the President, Regional Development Programmes
26. Moremi Ojudu – SSAP on Community Engagement
27. Tope Ajayi – SSA, Media and Public Affairs
28. Segun Dada – Special Assistant, Social Media
29. Demola Oshodi – SSA, Protocol

North Central:

1. Shuaibu Audu – Minister of Steel Development
2. Muhammed Idris – Minister of Information
3. Zaphanian Jisalo – Minister of Special Duties
4. Lateef Fagbemi – Minister of Justice
5. Joseph Utsev – Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation
6. Nentawe Yilwatde – Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction
7. Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim – Minister of State, Police Affairs
8. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi – Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Security
9. Bashir Bayo Ojulari – GMD, NNPC Limited
10. Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed – Director General, National Intelligence Agency
11. Dr. Idris A. Sulaimon – Director General, Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC)
12. Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi – Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps
13. Engr. Jaji O. Abdulganiyu – Controller General of the Federal Fire Service
14. Kemi Nandap – Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service
15. Haruna Y. Usman – Chairman, Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority
16. Dangajere Shuaibu Bawa Jaja – Managing Director, Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority
17. Dr. Amos Gizo Yadukso – Chairman, Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority
18. Engr. Ninga Terese – Managing Director, Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority
19. Abiodun Essiet – SSAP on Community Engagement
20. Gimba Kakanda – Senior Special Assistant to the President, Research and Analytics (Office of the VP)
21. Isaq Ahmed Ningi – Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital media & Emergency Management
22. Mr. Aliyu Audu – Special Assistant to the President, Public Affairs
23. Sen. Ibrahim Oloriege – Chairman, NHIA
24. Tunde Ajibulu – Deputy Executive Secretary (Services), UBEC
25. Sunday Sylva – Togo Echono – Executive Secretary, TETFUND

North East:

1. Abubakar Kyari – Minister of Agriculture and Food Security
2. Idi Mukhtar Maiha – Minister of Livestock Development
3. Sa’idu Alkali – Minister of Transportation
4. Yusuf Tuggar – Minister of Foreign Affairs
5. Muhammad Ali Pate – Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare
6. Ibrahim Gaidam – Minister of Police Affairs
7. Uba Maigari Ahmadu – Minister of State for Regional Development
8. Ahmadu Musa Kida – NNPCL Non-executive Chairman
9. Nuhu Ribadu – National Security Adviser
10. Mohammed Buba Marwa – Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency
11. Hajiya Hafsat Bakari – CEO, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit
12. Prof. Abdu Dauda – Chairman, Chad Basin Development Authority
13. Tijjani Musa Tumsa – Managing Director, Chad Basin Development Authority
14. Alh. Sanusi Mohammed Babantanko – Chairman, Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority
15. Abdulhamid Yahaya Abba – SSAP on Community Engagement
16. Dr. Bala Mohammed – Deputy Governor, CBN
17. Aliyu Modibbo Umar – Special Adviser (SAD), General Duties
18. Sadiq Wanna – Special Adviser (SAD), to the President on Power Infrastructure (Office of the VP)
19. Usman Muhammad – SSA to the President on Administration & Office Accommodation (Office of the VP)
20. Nasir Yammama – Senior Special Assistant to the President on Innovation (Office of the VP)
21. Bashir Maidugu – Deputy State House Counsel (Senior Special Assistant to the President)
22. Dr. Daniel Bwala – Special Adviser on Media and Policy Communications
23. Mr. Francis Adah Abah – Personal Assistant to the President, Special Duties
24. Mumuni Dagazau – Executive Vice President for Downstream

North West:

1. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar – Minister of Defence
2. Hannatu Musawa – Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy
3. Ahmed Dangiwa – Minister of Housing and Urban Development
4. Bello Goronyo – Minister of State for Water Resources
5. Yusuf Tanko Sununu – Minister of State for Education
6. Bello Matawalle – Minister of State for Defence
7. Hajiya Hafsat Bakari – CEO, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit
8. General Christopher Gwabin Musa – Chief of Defence Staff
9. Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar – Chief of Air Staff
10. Haliru Nababa – Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service
11. Shehu Usman Mohammed – Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission
12. Aminu Maida – EVC, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
13. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi – Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
14. Brig Gen YD Ahmed – Director-General, National Youth Service Corps
15. Mohammed Buba Marwa – Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency
16. Abdullahi U. Ganduje – Chairman, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
17. Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu – Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission
18. Nasiru Gawuna – Chairman, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria
19. Musa Sarkin Adar – Chairman, National Inland Waterways Authority
20. H.E Aminu Bello Masari – Chairman, TETFUND
21. Alh. Bashir Usman Gumel – Chairman, Federal Medical Centre, Yola
22. Dr. Mohammed Gusau Hassan – Chairman, Federal Medical Centre Birnin Kudu
23. Isa Sadiq Achida – Chairman, Raw Materials Research and Development Council
24. Amb. Abubakar Shehu Wurno – Chairman, Sokoto-Rima River Basin Development Authority
25. Major Gen. Jubril Abdulmalik – Secretary, Civil Defence, Immigration and Prisons Services Board
26. Dr. Mohammed Mohammed Aminu – Registrar/Chief Executive Officer (NABTEB)
27. Abdullahi Tanko Yakassai – SSAP on Community Engagement
28. Sani Dattijo – Deputy Governor, CBN
29. Rukaiya El-Rufai – Special Adviser to President on NEC & Climate Change (Office of the VP)
30. Hakeem Baba Ahmed – Special Adviser (SAD) on Political Matters (Office of VP)
31. Muhammad Bulama – Senior Special Assistant to the President on Politics/Special Duties (Office of the VP)
32. Zainab Yunusa – Senior Special Assistant to the President on NEC (Office of the VP)
33. Abdulaziz Abdulaziz – Senior Special Assistant to the President, Print Media
34. Ibrahim Masari – SSA Politics

South South:

1. Festus Keyamo – Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
2. Ekperipe Ekpo – Minister of State, Gas Resources
3. Heineken Lokpobiri – Minister of State, Petroleum Resources
4. John Enoh – Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment
5. Nyesom Wike – Minister of Federal Capital Territory
6. Abubakar Momoh – Minister of Regional Development
7. Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla – Chief of Naval Staff
8. Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence
9. Emomotimi Agama – Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
10. Mrs. Glory Ekpo Oho – Managing Director, Cross River Basin Development Authority
11. Sen. Magnus Abe – Chairman, National Agency for the Great Green Wall
12. Chief (Barr.) Ebikemi Boi Bosin – Chairman, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority
13. Hon. Amgbare Ebitimi – Managing Director, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority
14. Mr. Saleh Abubakar – Director-General, National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW)
15. Dr. Dakorinama Alabo George – Director-General, Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA)
16. Gift Johnbull – SSAP on Community Engagement
17. Emem Nnana Usoro – CBN Deputy Governor
18. O’tega Ogra – SSA, Digital/New Media to the President
19. Mrs. Linda Nwabuwa Akhigbe – SSA, Strategic Communications
20. Rowland Ewubare – Group Chief Operating Officer, NNPCL
21. Nosa Asemota – Special Assistant, Visual Communications to the President
22. Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey – Project Coordinator, HYPREP

South East:

1. Dr. Doris Anite Uzoka – Minister of State for Finance
2. Bianca Ojukwu – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
3. Nkeiru Onyejiocha – Minister of State for Labour
4. Sen. Dave Umahi – Minister of Works
5. Dr. Uche Nnaji – Minister of Science and Technology
6. Uzoma Nwagba – MD, Credicorp
7. Rt. Hon. Emeka Nduka – Managing Director, Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority
8. Adesua Dozie – Company Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, NNPCL
9. Hon. Mark Okoye – MD/CEO, South-East Development Commission (SEDC)
10. Philip Ikeazor – Deputy Governor for Financial System Stability, CBN
11. Sophia Mbakwe – Executive Vice President of Business Services, NNPCL
12. Mr. John Ugochukwu Uwajumogu – Special Adviser, Industry, Trade and Investment
13. Chioma Nweze – SSAP on Community Engagement
14. Kingsley Stanley Nkwocha – SSA to the President, Media and Communication (Office of VP)
15. Kingsley Uzoma – SSA to the President on Agribusiness & Productivity Enhancement (Office of VP)
16. Mr. Fredrick Nwabufo – SSA to the President on Public Engagement

The imbalance in federal appointments also extends beyond ethnic considerations to encompass gender, age, and professional backgrounds. Women and youth, often underrepresented in leadership roles, find it particularly challenging to ascend to positions of power due to ingrained biases and nepotistic practices. The exclusion of these demographic groups from decision-making processes stunts the potential for innovative solutions to the country’s myriad problems, as diverse perspectives are largely overlooked.

The implications of such practice are profound; they create an environment where public service is viewed as a means of personal gain rather than an opportunity to serve the nation. This not only breeds corruption but also discourages talented individuals who may not have the right connections, leading to a brain drain as competent professionals seek opportunities elsewhere.

This lopsidedness can lead to feelings of alienation among various groups, fostering discontent and, in some cases, violent agitation. When certain regions feel neglected or underrepresented in federal appointments, it can lead to increased regionalism and a weakening of national cohesion, threatening the stability of the Nigerian state.

Moreover, the appointment of individuals based on nepotism rather than competence results in a lack of accountability and transparency in governance. Public institutions may become ineffectual due to the incompetence of appointed officials, leading to a decline in public trust and further perpetuating the cycle of poor governance.

The ramifications of nepotism and imbalanced federal appointments are far-reaching. Economically, such practices can stifle growth, as appointments of less qualified individuals can lead to mismanagement of resources and poor policy implementation. Socially, these dynamics foster divisions and tensions, as various groups vie for recognition and inclusion within the political framework.

In the long run, the inability to address these issues threatens not only the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions but also the fabric of the nation’s unity. The adverse effects can potentially incite social unrest, as marginalized groups feel compelled to take action to demand their rights and representation.

Addressing the menace of nepotism in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach. Institutional reforms that promote transparency and accountability in the appointment process are essential. Implementing policies that mandate inclusivity in federal appointments, emphasizing merit over personal connections, and encouraging the representation of marginalized groups can help mitigate the impact of nepotism.

Furthermore, civil society and the media have important roles to play in advocating for accountability and transparency. By raising awareness and promoting dialogue about these issues, they can contribute to a shift in public perception and attitudes toward nepotism.

Nepotism and lopsided appointments remain significant challenges to effective governance in Nigeria. To build a more equitable and prosperous society, it is imperative for policymakers, civil society, and the citizenry to acknowledge the pernicious effects of these practices and work collectively towards a system that values competence, integrity, and inclusivity. Only then can Nigeria aspire to achieve its potential as a truly united and progressive nation.