The staggering concentration of power within a single ethnic group under Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration reveals a troubling trend that threatens the fragile fabric of Nigeria’s national unity.
As Nigeria grapples with rampant insecurity, systemic corruption, and an urgent need for good governance, the overt favoritism exhibited by Tinubu in his appointments presents a grave concern. The selection of predominantly Yoruba individuals for critical positions, from the Inspector General of Police to the Attorney General, fosters an environment of suspicion and disenfranchisement among other ethnic groups. This ethnocentric strategy not only perpetuates a cycle of division but also undermines the professional integrity and efficacy of Nigeria’s institutions.
The ramifications of such chauvinism are hard to ignore. The perception that the entire criminal justice system is a Yoruba affair is more than just a matter of representation; it is a signal to the nation that unity, inclusiveness, and shared governance have taken a backseat to an agenda of ethnic supremacy. Tinubu’s critical appointments have cast a shadow on his presidency, with appointments that are alarmingly lopsided. Consider this: a Yoruba individual now occupies the highest positions of power in the police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the judiciary. Even the economic landscape has succumbed to this trend, being monopolized by Yoruba leaders. Why is this insistence on consolidating power within one ethnic group? What are Tinubu’s motivations, and how does he expect a nation burdened by ethnic tensions to respond? With Nigeria’s myriad challenges, from health crises to the education sector’s decline, the neglect of broader national issues in favor of blatant ethnic patronage only fuels discontent and resentment.
The historical involvement of organizations like Afenifere in fighting for social justice and inclusiveness seems to have been forgotten. These groups once championed the rights of the Yoruba nation against what was seen as the oppressive dominance of the Hausa Fulani hegemony. Yet, with Tinubu’s leadership, the spirit of these movements appears to have been subverted into a narrow ethnocentric agenda that prioritizes the interests of a single group over national unity. The Yoruba have historically played a vital role in Nigeria’s political landscape, and their intelligence and sophistication are undeniable. However, the recognition of their contributions should not eclipse the need for balanced governance.
In recognizing the depth of the problem, it is essential for Tinubu to reevaluate his administration’s approach to ethnic representation. Leadership in a multi-ethnic nation like Nigeria must embody inclusiveness rather than exclusion. A genuine commitment to national unity mandates that appointments reflect the country’s diversity. This entails not just token representation but a holistic understanding and appreciation for the contributions of all ethnic groups. Measures should be put in place to ensure that key positions are held by individuals from various backgrounds, thus fostering a collective sense of ownership in the nation’s governance.
Tinubu’s leadership should pivot from parochial loyalty to a commitment to inclusivity. He must come to understand that in a politically diverse environment, the perception of ethnic favoritism can lead to distrust and discontent. The path forward requires a rebuke of ethnocentrism, advocating instead for a shared sense of belonging that transcends ethnic lines. Only then can Nigeria begin to heal from the divisions that have long plagued it and build a foundation for sustainable progress.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s current trajectory threatens not just his legacy but the very essence of Nigerian unity. The responsibility lies with him to correct this course. If he fails to recognize the implications of his actions, he risks becoming the architect of further disintegration rather than unity, leaving Nigeria at a crossroads in an era when cohesive governance is more critical than ever.
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
Mobile: +2349053535322
