Tinubu’s Appointments: Presidency denies favoritism towards South-West

November 04, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Presidency has rejected allegations that President Bola Tinubu is favoring the South-West in his appointments to security agencies.

Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation, clarified the regional distribution of security chiefs, citing data on the heads of 20 security agencies.

According to Dare, the North-West leads with eight security chiefs, followed by the South-West with five, North-Central with four, and North-East with three.

This disclosure aims to address backlash sparked by Tinubu’s appointment of Olufemi Oloyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff, COAS, which some perceived as favoring his native South-West.

Regional Breakdown of Security Chiefs:

-North-West: 8 security chiefs

-South-West: 5 security chiefs

-North-Central: 4 security chiefs

-North-East: 3 security chiefs

Dare’s statement on X seeks to dispel concerns of ethnic bias in Tinubu’s appointments.

However, groups like Afenifere have criticized the President’s choices, warning that they may threaten inter-ethnic relationships and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.