When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced key appointments “with immediate effect” for the Nigerian Television Authority on August 20, 2025, he said the move reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening national broadcasting as a platform for unity, cohesion and soft diplomacy.
Rotimi Pedro, a broadcast professional with over two decades of experience, was appointed Director-General of the NTA and pledged to rescue the organisation from what he described as “a dying brand” through technology, innovation and audience rebuilding.
Stella Din-Jacob, former Director of News and Editor-in-Chief at Television Continental, also announced her appointment as Executive Director (News) of the NTA, describing the role as “humbling and weighty.”
Barely two weeks later, however, the presidency reversed the appointments of Pedro, Din-Jacob and Karimah Bello, the Executive Director (Marketing), restoring former officials to their positions.
The sudden U-turn raised fresh questions about the President’s stated commitment to reforming the state broadcaster — and more broadly, about a growing pattern of abrupt reversals across government.
A pattern, not an exception
The NTA reversal is not an isolated incident.
In recent months, President Tinubu has withdrawn, altered or reversed several high-profile appointments, sometimes within hours of their announcement. What ordinarily signals decisiveness in governance has instead fuelled uncertainty within the civil service, political circles and public institutions.
Critics say the trend suggests hurried decision-making followed by reactive corrections, while supporters argue it reflects responsiveness to political and administrative realities.
Reversal within hours
In August, Tinubu reappointed Muheeba Dankaka for a second five-year term as chairperson of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) and named Mohammed Musa as secretary.
Within hours, Dankaka was removed and replaced with Ayo Omidiran, a former House of Representatives member. No official explanation was provided, despite earlier allegations of mismanagement levelled against Dankaka.
Party loyalty trumps appointments
In 2024, the President appointed Asu Okang, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, to the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission.
The appointment triggered protests by APC members in Cross River State. Days later, Okang was replaced by Orok Otuk Duke.
Similarly, Victor Akinjo’s nomination to the NDDC board was rejected by APC members in Ondo State, leading to his replacement with Otito Atikase.
Ruby Onwudiwe’s nomination to the Central Bank of Nigeria board was withdrawn following pressure from APC members over her open support for the Labour Party during the 2023 elections.
Her name was quietly dropped, and Melvin Ayogu was later nominated and confirmed to fill the slot.
INEC appointments reversed
On March 18, Tinubu asked the Senate to reverse the appointments of two Resident Electoral Commissioners just six days after nominating them.
The President explained that the move was necessary to renew the tenure of an existing REC, underscoring how administrative adjustments can upend earlier decisions.
FERMA chair controversy
The appointment of 24-year-old Ibrahim Kashim Imam as chairman of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency board sparked public outrage over age and experience.
Two days later, the presidency withdrew the appointment without explanation.
UBEC and NCC reshuffles
Idris Olorunnimbe was appointed chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission in March, replaced in July by Tanko Al-Makura, and later reappointed to chair the Nigerian Communications Commission — a sequence that deepened concerns about consistency in leadership decisions.
Ministerial nominee replaced at Senate gate
One of the most controversial reversals occurred in August 2023 when Maryam Shetty arrived at the National Assembly for ministerial screening only to be informed at the gate that her nomination had been withdrawn and replaced.
No official reason was given.
Two postmasters general
In October 2023, confusion engulfed the Nigerian Postal Service when two individuals simultaneously claimed the position of postmaster general following conflicting announcements from the presidency and the agency.
Despite initial resistance, the newly appointed CEO eventually assumed office, leaving lingering questions about coordination within government.
Turkey ambassador U-turn
Most recently, less than 24 hours after announcing Usman Dakingari as ambassador-designate to Turkey, the presidency reversed itself, stating that no appointment had been made. Again, no explanation followed.
While past administrations were criticised for delayed appointments, Tinubu’s government faces scrutiny for frequent reversals.