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

Published

7 months ago

October 15, 2023

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.

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.

Related Topics:Dominance MURIC Muslims Nigeria

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Kano-Kaduna-Abuja Passengers Spent Night In Kaduna Due to Traffic Jam

Published

13 hours ago

May 13, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Some passengers traveling from Abuja to Kano found themselves stranded in Gwanin Gora town, Kaduna State, due to a traffic jam.

An eyewitness and passenger, Dr. Lado Bala, informed NIGERIAN TRACKER that they had been stranded since 3 AM with no indication of movement.

Regarding the cause of the traffic jam, Dr. Bala mentioned that it may be attributed to an unknown accident that occurred further down the road.

As of the time of reporting, no security agency had responded to clear the jam.

The Kano-Abuja-Kaduna Express is a major Nigerian road that links Northern and Southern Nigeria.

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Nigeria Tracker Congratulates Sarkin Bai Mansur Mukhtar On Wedding of His Daughter Amina

Published

23 hours ago

May 12, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

The wedding ceremony

The management of Nigeria Tracker Communications, publishers of Nigerian Tracker online newspaper, has extended its congratulatory message to the family of Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance and Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank ,Dr Mansur Mukhtar on the wedding of his daughter, Amina Mansur Mukhtar.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Editor-in-Chief and CEO of the leading online newspaper, Abbas Yushau Yusuf.

The wedding fatiha and solemnization which took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, had in attendance family, friends, and well-wishers, with a dowry of $1000.

On behalf of the board of directors of Nigeria Tracker Communications, we wish the couple a happy married life and Allah’s blessings, and success to the entire Sarkin Bai of Kano’s family, Dr. Mansur Mukhtar.

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My Successors Have Jettisoned My Progressive Ideas-Says Jonathan

Published

2 days ago

May 11, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Former President Goodluck Jonathan

Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, on Friday, said some of the progressive ideas he instituted during his tenure were jettisoned after his exit from office.

Jonathan who was the President from 2010 to 2015, stated this while speaking as Chairman on the occasion of the 25th anniversary celebration of Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo State.

The former president who said he ensured that women were admitted into the Nigeria Defence Academy, recalled that he faced serious challenges but had his way as the president of the country.

He said it is worth noting that women have become an integral part of the military set with some of them going ahead to become some of the best jet fighters.

He said, “I recall the challenges faced by women in the military. But as President, I directed that the Nigeria Defence Academy commence admission of women into the institution.

“However some of the ideas, which could have helped in the technological development of the country were jettisoned. “

The former President who noted challenges faced by women in various career fields, advocated that limitations against women’s progression in their chosen fields of endeavour should be eliminated.

He also called for the recalibration of the nation’s school curriculum to prioritize skills acquisition, and technology and de-emphasise certificates.

The ex-president explained that emphasis on skills acquisition and technology in all fields of the country’s educational system was the way to go to hasten the development of the country.

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