Senator Ali Ndume, former Senate Leader, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his recent appointments of northerners to key federal agencies, calling it a step toward addressing regional imbalances.
However, Ndume also urged the president to ensure the southeast is adequately represented in future appointments to uphold the principles of federal character and national unity.
The latest appointments, announced over the weekend, include prominent figures such as Muhammad Babangida, son of former military leader Ibrahim Babangida, who was named Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture.
Other appointees include Lydia Kalat Musa as Chairperson of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, Jamilu Wada Aliyu as Chairman of the National Educational Research and Development Council, and Yahuza Ado Inuwa as head of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria. Additionally, Sanusi Musa (SAN) was appointed Chairman of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution.
Further appointments include Professor Al-Mustapha Aliyu as Director-General of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa and Sanusi Garba Rikiji as Director-General of the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations.
Checks revealed that Kano and Kaduna states secured three and two appointments, respectively, while Sokoto and Zamfara each had one representative. Oyo State’s Tomi Somefun was also named Director-General of the National Hydro-Electric Power Areas Development Commission.
Ndume commended Tinubu for addressing northern concerns, particularly after the president’s earlier appointment of 12 northerners to key positions in May. He described Tinubu as a “responsive leader” who listens to criticisms and adjusts policies to ensure fairness.
However, Ndume emphasised that the southeast should not be neglected in subsequent appointments, warning that prolonged exclusion could undermine national cohesion and violate constitutional provisions on federal character.
“The wrong narrative that the southeast has been abandoned must not be allowed to fester,” Ndume stated. He urged Tinubu to correct the imbalance, stressing that every region deserves equitable representation in governance.
The senator’s remarks highlight ongoing debates over political appointments in Nigeria, where regional equity remains a sensitive issue. As Tinubu’s administration continues its tenure, observers will be watching to see if future selections reflect broader national inclusivity.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
