Appointments: Nigeria belongs to all, not just the Yoruba – Arewa group blasts Tinubu

The Arewa Youths Integrity Network (AYIN), a prominent socio-political group from northern Nigeria, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what it describes as ethnic favouritism in recent federal appointments.

In particular, the group condemned the appointment of Mr Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as Acting Accountant General of the Federation (AGoF), expressing concern that the President continues to favour individuals from his Yoruba ethnic group while neglecting other regions of the country.

AYIN’s spokesperson, Barr. James Ismaila, released a statement on Friday, stating, “Appointing another Yoruba man to replace an outgoing Yoruba woman in such a critical position is a blatant disregard for the northern region.

“Northerners are equally qualified for these high-level roles, and this pattern of favouritism cannot be ignored. We, at AYIN, strongly oppose this, and we will not tolerate it.

“We supported Asiwaju during the 2023 election, putting aside regional pressures for a northern candidate because we believed in the unity of Nigeria.

“We wanted a southern president after eight years of northern leadership, in the spirit of fairness and justice. But it seems President Tinubu is not following the same principles. It appears that only his kinsmen are considered qualified for key roles.

“This country cannot move forward in this direction. Nigeria belongs to all tribes—Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, and many others. Asiwaju should be president for all Nigerians, not just for a particular section.

“He must rid himself of any tendencies of nepotism and favouritism. We supported him because we believed in his vision; now he must live up to that confidence.”

Ogunjimi, a Lagos native, was recently announced as the Acting AGoF, replacing Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, who is set to retire in March 2025.

AYIN questioned the rationale behind appointing another Yoruba person to the role, calling it a disservice to other regions, particularly the north.

The statement concluded with a strong appeal to President Tinubu to rectify the perceived imbalance and make appointments that reflect Nigeria’s diversity.