The Federal Government on Friday rejected claims of bias regarding President Bola Tinubu’s appointments, stating that they were made in full compliance with the federal character principle outlined in Nigeria’s Constitution.
This was in response to claims made by Senator Ali Ndume, a lawmaker representing Borno South, over alleged imbalances in the distribution of key government positions under the current administration.
Ndume, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had recently criticized Tinubu’s appointments in an interview on Arise Television, accusing the president of breaching the federal character principle.
However, the government quickly dismissed these allegations as misleading and unfounded. In a statement issued by Segun Imohiosen, the Director of Information and Public Relations for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the government clarified that all appointments made by President Tinubu’s administration adhered strictly to the federal character principle, as stipulated in Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) wishes to address recent insinuations circulating, particularly on social media, regarding the composition of Federal appointments,” the statement read. “The Government categorically refutes claims of lopsidedness and emphasizes its unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness, equity, and national unity. All appointments are made in strict adherence to the federal character principle, as enshrined in Section 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered).”
The government also noted President Tinubu’s strong belief in the unity of the country, underlining that his approach to appointments is guided by fairness, justice, and the need to represent all regions and demographics within the Nigerian population. “It is notable to mention that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, believes strongly in the unity of Nigeria and is guided by the ideals of fairness and tenets of justice in all appointments. This Administration is dedicated to ensuring that all regions and demographics of the country are adequately represented in its institutions and agencies,” the statement added.
Furthermore, the government urged Nigerians to disregard the “tendentious and unfounded allegations,” emphasizing that such claims were intended to sow disunity. The statement stressed that the public should rely on official channels for credible information regarding federal appointments.
“The Government remains steadfast in its pursuit of a prosperous, united, and equitable Nigeria, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this Administration,” it concluded.
