The jubilation over Yusuf Magaji Bichi's ouster as Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) has ignited discussions about tribal affiliations in Nigeria's political landscape. Bichi's tenure faced criticism for turning the DSS into a personal security agency for the presidency, a trend seemingly continuing under President Bola Tinubu.
As Tinubu appoints more individuals from the Yoruba ethnic group to key positions, concerns arise over the disproportionate representation of Yoruba people in Nigeria's power structure. While personal affiliations are common among leaders, the apparent preference for Yoruba appointments raises questions about inclusivity and fairness in power distribution.
One controversial appointment is Adesola Oluwatosin Ajayi, a Yoruba, as the new Director-General of the DSS. Critics argue that Tinubu's decision to replace Bichi with another Yoruba individual perpetuates favoritism and disregards the need for diverse representation in crucial government positions.
Nigeria is home to diverse ethnic groups, including the Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, and others. Ensuring a harmonious and fair society necessitates representation of all groups in government. Concentrating power in one ethnic group's hands threatens to undermine the inclusivity principle that Nigeria has been striving for since its independence.
While it is essential to avoid tribal favoritism, we can look to leaders like former South African President Nelson Mandela for inspiration. Mandela championed reconciliation and inclusiveness, uniting South Africa by appointing a diverse cabinet that represented various ethnic groups and political backgrounds.
It is crucial for Nigerian leaders to prioritize merit, inclusivity, and accountability over tribal allegiances. Only by promoting diverse perspectives and balanced representation can the nation build a more prosperous and equitable future for all its citizens.
List of Yoruba Appointees
Maj. T. A Lagbaja - Chief of Army Staff
DIG Kayode Egbetokun - Acting Inspector-General of Police
Col. Adebisi Onasanya Brigade of Guards Commander
Lt. Col. Moshood Abiodun Yusuf 7 Guards Battalion, Asokoro, Abuja
Lt. Col. Olumide A. Akingbesote 176 Guards Battalion, Gwagwalada, Abuja
Capt. Kazeem Olalekan Sunmonu (N/16183)Second-in-Command, State House Artillery
Maj. TS Adeola (N/12860)Commanding Officer, State House Armament
Hon. (Barr) Olarewaju Kunle Ibrahim Senior Special Assistant, National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives)
Adeniyi Bashir Adewale as the Ag. Comptroller General of Customs.
Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo: Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA). Adebayo is a former Presidential candidate and an engineer, also a community and social development expert.
. Dr. Olufemi Adekanmbi: Project Coordinator for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).
Mr. Tosin Adeyanju: Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF).
Oluwaseun Faleye: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). Mr. Faleye is a legal and corporate finance specialist.
9. Ms Omolola Bridget Oloworaran: Nominated as the new Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom).
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo