HURIWA Demands Equity in Tinubu’s Appointments
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed serious concerns over what it perceived as entrenched bias against the Igbo ethnic group in President Bola Tinubu’s recent appointments.
HURIWA alleged that its analysis of Tinubu’s appointments reveals a continuation of the “winner takes all” system, heavily favouring Tinubu’s South-west, while leaving other ethnic groups, notably the Igbo, underrepresented.
These concerns, according to HURIWA, came to light amidst startling revelations by activist Deji Adeyanju, shedding light on what he terms pervasive ethnic bias within Tinubu’s administration.
Adeyanju’s investigation reveals a troubling trend where the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso, reportedly replaced all directors with individuals from his own ethnic background, further exacerbating concerns over equitable representation and fairness in government appointments.
In a scathing statement released yesterday, HURIWA highlighted a comprehensive analysis of President Tinubu’s recent appointments, revealing a disturbing trend of systemic favouritism towards his ethnic group.
In the statement issued by the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the human rights group alleged that key positions across various sectors appear disproportionately allocated to individuals of Yoruba descent, marginalising other ethnic groups, particularly the Igbo community.
According to HURIWA’s analysis, only 25 per cent of appointments were shared among other ethnic groups.
“The trend persists across sectors such as the recent appointments in health, culture, creative economy, and maritime and blue economy, where the majority of appointments favor Tinubu’s Yoruba ethnic group.
“The recent appointments approved by President Bola Tinubu starkly illustrate the deep-seated marginalisation of the Igbo ethnic group within key sectors of government. From the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, the overwhelming majority of appointments overwhelmingly favor individuals of Yoruba descent, further exacerbating the underrepresentation of the Igbo people.
“This pattern of exclusion extends even to strategic initiatives such as the Presidential ‘Unlocking Healthcare Value-Chain’ Initiative, where crucial leadership positions are allocated without due consideration for ethnic diversity, including the committee to implement Oronsanye’s report dominated by Yorubas
“The appointment of Executive Directors in agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy similarly reflects this trend, as individuals from the Yoruba ethnic group dominate key positions. These appointments not only perpetuate systemic inequality but also underscore the urgent need for President Tinubu to address the glaring disparity and embrace a more inclusive approach to governance,” HURIWA explained.
Furthermore, HURIWA emphasized that such actions violate constitutional provisions aimed at promoting the federal character of Nigeria’s governance structure.
According to the group, sections 14(3) and 147(3) of the 1999 Constitution expressly mandate that government appointments should reflect the diversity of Nigeria’s ethnic and cultural landscape, ensuring that no single ethnic group dominates decision-making processes.
“The implications of Tinubu’s ethnically- biased appointments are deeply concerning, as they not only undermine the principles of fairness and inclusivity but also exacerbate ethnic tensions and sow seeds of division within Nigerian society. By perpetuating tribal favoritism, Tinubu risks further marginalizing minority ethnic groups and fueling resentment and distrust among different communities.
“By marginalizing the Igbo and other ethnic groups, President Tinubu risks alienating a significant portion of the population and perpetuating ethnic tensions. This deliberate exclusion could exacerbate existing grievances and fuel resentment, ultimately posing a threat to national stability and unity”.
While noting that the alleged bias in appointments may have stemmed from political calculations, particularly in light of the 2023 presidential elections, HURIWA asserted that no individual should prioritize political interests over the welfare and rights of all citizens.
“As a leader, President Tinubu has a responsibility to govern with impartiality and fairness, regardless of electoral considerations,” the statement added.
