Presidency denies claim of TINUBU favouring South-West in appointments

Sunday, November 3, 2024 -The Nigerian Presidency has officially denied accusations that the current administration is favoring the South West in key security appointments. Following the appointment of Major General Olufemi Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff, social media erupted with claims accusing President Bola Tinubu of "Yorubanisation," suggesting a preference for appointing individuals from the Yoruba ethnic group over others.

Oluyede’s appointment came as General Tahoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, is reportedly abroad for medical treatment. Critics on social media argued that there are equally qualified generals from other regions who could have temporarily filled the role, rather than another officer from the South West.

Addressing these claims, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications and Orientation, published a list detailing the regional distribution of security agency heads under Tinubu’s administration. According to the list, the North West has the highest representation with eight appointees, followed by the South West with five, and North Central with four. The North East has three representatives, while South South and South East regions each have one appointee.

"Facts do not lie. Below we see laid bare the facts about the regional outlook of President Tinubu’s appointments within 20 security agencies. The label of him favoring Yorubas in the Security set up does not fit. Nigeria we hail thee!" Dare stated in his post, highlighting that the data counters the notion of ethnic favoritism.