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News Analysis: Tinubu’s Appointment from the South West – Yoruba Christians Consolidate Dominance

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President Bola Ahmad Tinubu

By Abbas Yushau Yusuf

In the aftermath of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s historic victory in Nigeria’s recent general elections, a profound shift in the South West’s political landscape has been set in motion. The ascendancy of President Tinubu, a Yoruba Muslim, as the sixteenth President of Nigeria marks a watershed moment in the region’s political history. While this achievement has brought jubilation to many, it has also raised questions regarding the distribution of political appointments in the region.

In the six southwest states only Ekiti and Ondo states are predominantly Christians.

Historically, the South West has seen prominent Yoruba leaders emerge, such as President Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Ernest Shonekan. Notably, both of these leaders were Yoruba Christians, making President Tinubu’s presidency as a Yoruba Muslim a first for the region.

Leading up to the 2023 general election, there was a growing call by Muslim advocacy groups, such as the Muslim Right Concern (MURIC), for the emergence of a Yoruba Muslim as President. The goal was to address what they perceived as marginalization of Southwest Muslims in key government positions. With President Tinubu’s election, this aspiration seemed to be on the brink of realization.

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However, since assuming office, President Tinubu’s appointments have raised eyebrows among some in the Muslim community. Despite being a Yoruba Muslim, many of his key federal appointments have been predominantly Yoruba Christians. This has given rise to concerns and questions about whether the Yoruba Muslim population’s aspirations are being fully addressed.

The appointment of a Yoruba Christian as Inspector General of Police, Central Bank Governor, FIRS Chairman, Minister of Finance, Chief of Army Staff, and other significant roles has sparked a lively debate in the region. Additionally, the composition of the President’s cabinet, with seven out of ten South West ministers being Christians, has added to the conversation.

The controversy doesn’t end there. Several other important positions, such as the CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Chairman of the Tax Reform Committee, and the Special Adviser for Economic Affairs, are also filled by Yoruba Christians.

Even the appointment of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been met with scrutiny, as he hails from the same religious affiliation as the department that reportedly posed a challenge to Tinubu’s presidential ambitions during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, A pastor with the redeemed christian church of God (RCCG).

On top of these appointments, a majority of the South West Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, and Special Assistants are Christians.

This wave of appointments has led to profound shock and raised questions among the Yoruba Muslim community. MURIC, which had ardently campaigned for Tinubu’s election, is among those expressing astonishment at the current state of affairs.

In conclusion, while President Tinubu’s victory as the first Yoruba Muslim President is celebrated, the distribution of key appointments is giving rise to significant debate and reflection within the South West region. The political landscape and balance of power within the Yoruba community is evolving, and it remains to be seen how these developments will shape the future of the region.

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Breaking: Tinubu Orders Release of Minors Arrested Over Endbadgovernance Protest

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President Bola Ahmad Tinubu

President Tinubu Orders release of all minors who participated in the Endbadgovernance protest .

 

The minister of information and national orientation Muhammad Idris stated this to state House correspondents.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents, on Monday.

The Minister was flanked by the Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy; Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Public Communications and orientation.

Idris stated that the President has instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to begin the process of securing the minors’ release without delay.

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“The President has directed that all minors be released on the and also reunited with their families anywhere they are in the country. A committee has been set up to look at the issues surrounding their arrest, detention and release. All the law enforcement agents related to the case will be investigated and anyone found wanting will be brought to book,” he said.

 

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76 Detained Children: Northwest Youth-Students Forum hails Senator Barau, AGF’s prompt intervention

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The Northwest Youth and Students Forum (NWYSF) has expressed its heartfelt appreciation to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin and the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for their prompt intervention in the detention of minors by the Nigeria Police Force, following the End Bad Governance Protest.

The forum in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Abubakar Isyaku Balan said the swift action by the leaders will brings hope to the affected families and demonstrates a commitment to protecting the rights of vulnerable citizens nationwide.

He said “The giant move of the Deputy President of the Senate and the Attorney General of the Federal is no doubt a commendable one. We are proud of this and look forward to the release of the children courtesy of this movement.”

According to the statement, the NWYSF, as a forum comprising of talented youth and students, deemed it necessary to protectively initiate awareness programs that will enlighten the teeming youth on human rights and activism.

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“We acknowledge that the minors actions were driven by ignorance and a lack of proper orientation, underscoring the need for civic education and sensitization in the Northwest region. Addressing the underlying issues that led to this situation is crucial, rather than simply punishing the minors. This approach will foster a more informed and empowered youth.

“Considering the economic situation in the North, we urge the Federal Government to show compassion and release the detained minors, taking into account their age and circumstances. We also call on the government to provide support for their rehabilitation and education.

“In partnership with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders, NWYSF will develop sensitization initiatives focusing on empowering youths with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, promoting understanding and respect for human rights and teaching alternative dispute resolution methods.

“In view of the above, by working together, we can prevent similar incidents and foster a more informed, peaceful, and inclusive society,” the statement added.

 

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ICPC Arraigns Provost, Lecturer for Certificate Forgery in Sokoto

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Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu ,ICPC Chairman

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Hauwau Gimbiya Mukhtar Abdulkarim, the serving Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical) (FCET), Gusau, alongside Abdullahi Boyi, a lecturer with the Sokoto State College of Education (SSCE), on alleged certificate forgery.

The duo were arraigned on a six-count charge, registered as charge No. SS/213c/2024, before Hon. Justice Muhammad Aliyu Sambo at the Sokoto State High Court. ICPC accused the two defendants of forging an appointment letter and using it to apply for the position of Provost at the Federal College of Education (Technical) Gusau, Zamfara State.

The defendants were also accused of making false statements to ICPC officers during the investigation, which is an offence under Section 25(1)(a) and punishable under Section 25(ii)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000. “Both defendants, however, pleaded ‘not guilty’ to all six charges when read to them by the Court’s Registrar,” the ICPC revealed in a statement.

Counsel for the defendants, Dr. Muhammad Mansur Aliyu and Mr. M.S. Diri SAN, moved for bail applications on behalf of their clients. They requested the court to consider reasonable bail terms, citing the defendants’ “established positions and cooperation during the investigation.”

Counsel to the ICPC, Mr. Suleiman Ahmad, did not oppose the bail applications. Following the consideration of the applications, Hon. Justice Sambo granted bail under specific conditions designed to ensure the defendants’ continued presence throughout the trial proceedings.

The bail conditions require each defendant to provide two sureties who are permanent residents of Sokoto State, with each surety signing a bond of one million naira (₦1,000,000). After granting bail, the ICPC prosecutor requested a date for the trial to commence, emphasizing the Commission’s preparedness to present witnesses and evidence in support of the charges.

Hon. Justice Sambo adjourned the matter to November 21, 2024, when the hearing is set to begin. The prosecution is expected to call witnesses and introduce material evidence to substantiate the allegations.

The ICPC press release was signed by Demola Bakare, Acting Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, and Spokesperson for the Commission.

 

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