A human rights group, the Civil Society Coalition for Good Governance, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership style and his choice to appoint individuals from within the system to head various government institutions and parastatals in the country.
This commendation came as the rights group urged him to also consider individuals from the South-South and South-East for appointment into agencies that were yet to be filled, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The spokesperson of the Coalition, Comrade Femi Lawson, made this call on Friday at a press conference held in Lagos.
He noted that President Tinubu’s decision to appoint individuals from within the system to lead government institutions without political interference encouraged dedication and commitment among staff of the affected institutions and parastatals.
“President Tinubu’s first hundred days have been marked by significant policy initiatives and shifts in governance. While we acknowledge these efforts, we believe there is an area that requires immediate attention: the appointment of leadership into various offices and, most importantly, into the various security agencies, anti-corruption agencies, and paramilitary organisations in Nigeria.
“We commend President Tinubu for his commitment to enhancing the security and safety of our nation. However, we encourage him to consider appointing leaders of paramilitary organisations from within the ranks and in order of seniority.
“This approach can lead to a more stable and effective security apparatus, as it ensures that individuals with years of experience and institutional knowledge are entrusted with leadership roles.
“By promoting leaders from within, President Tinubu can foster a sense of loyalty, discipline, and professionalism within the various organisations. This practice can also serve as a motivational tool for the dedicated men and women who have tirelessly served these agencies,” Lawson said.
“Furthermore, while we agree that it is within the exclusive right and discretion of the President to appoint persons deemed competent into these positions, we believe that seniority-based appointments can help eliminate political interference and ensure that leadership positions are filled based on merit and competence rather than political considerations,” he added.
Lawson, while making a call on President Tinubu to consider people from the South-South and South-East for appointment into agencies that were yet to be filled, noted that this call became imperative as no southerner had ever been appointed as the EFCC chairman in Nigeria.
Lawson, while assuring President Tinubu’s administration of support in its efforts to create a safer and more secure Nigeria, urged him to consider the coalition’s “recommendation regarding leadership appointments within paramilitary organisations, as it aligns with the principles of transparency, accountability, and meritocracy.”
“In conclusion, we, as concerned civil society organisations, stand ready to support President Tinubu’s administration in its efforts to create a safer and more secure Nigeria. We urge the president to consider our recommendation regarding leadership appointments within paramilitary organisations, as it aligns with the principles of transparency, accountability, and meritocracy,” he said.
