The Federal Government has dismissed allegations of bias in the composition of federal appointments, stating that all selections are made in strict adherence to the federal character principle enshrined in the Constitution.
This denial comes in response to claims made by Senator Ali Ndume, an All Progressives Congress lawmaker representing Borno South, who accused President Bola Tinubu of violating the federal character principle in his appointments.
In a statement released by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations for Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the government described the allegations as “unfounded and misleading”.
The statement emphasized President Tinubu’s commitment to national unity and fairness in governance, asserting that his administration ensures adequate representation for all regions and demographics within federal institutions.
The government urged Nigerians to disregard what it termed “divisive and baseless allegations” circulating on social media, particularly those aimed at inciting disunity.
Instead, it encouraged the public to rely on official government channels for credible information regarding federal appointments, specifying that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) is the official custodian of relevant records.
However, not everyone is convinced by the government’s denial. Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, has expressed concerns over perceived ethnic bias in President Tinubu’s appointments, alleging an overwhelming preference for Yoruba individuals in major government roles.
The group warned that this approach threatens Nigeria’s inter-ethnic harmony and could disrupt the nation’s tradition of inclusivity.
The Federal Government remains committed to its pursuit of a prosperous, united, and equitable Nigeria, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this Administration.