Ohanaeze Demands Tinubu Reverse Customs Comptroller General’s Tenure Extension

The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to extend the tenure of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

In a statement released on Saturday, August 2, the group described the extension as a clear case of nepotism and selective justice.

Specifically, they alleged that the move denied Deputy Comptroller General BU Nwafor, who hails from Anambra State, her rightful promotion.

According to Ohanaeze’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, the President’s action undermines merit and justice.

Chukwu noted that CG Adeniyi was already due for retirement. Nevertheless, President Tinubu granted him an extra year in office.

Consequently, Ohanaeze said, this decision effectively blocks DCG Nwafor from rising to the top before her own retirement in October 2026.

By that time, the next most senior officer, DCG KI Adeola, would then be positioned to succeed Adeniyi, thus bypassing Nwafor entirely.

Moreover, Ohanaeze warned that the move reflects ethnic bias and deepens distrust in Nigeria’s unity.

“This is an outrageous example of institutional unfairness and blatant favouritism,” the group said.

Furthermore, they criticized Tinubu for what they called “a peak of favouritism and an ultimate display of blatant nepotism over merit, bureaucratic standard, and social conscience.”

The group also quoted Nigeria’s national anthem, which calls for unity despite tribal and language differences. In light of this, they asked, “How does this action reflect that spirit?”

Additionally, Ohanaeze accused the President of promoting ethnic profiling.

“Is this how we define brotherhood and patriotism?” the group queried.

In a strong appeal, Ohanaeze urged the President to reverse the tenure extension.

According to them, the decision amounts to robbing Peter to pay Paul.

They argued further that the move bruises national pride and erodes public morality.

“We therefore call on President Tinubu to revisit this injustice before it sets a dangerous precedent,” the group added.

Importantly, this is not the first time President Tinubu has been accused of favouritism in high-level appointments.

Critics often point out that his administration overlooks federal character principles, thereby fuelling regional discontent.

As the tenure extension takes effect, public scrutiny is likely to grow.

For Ohanaeze and other ethnic advocacy groups, the decision deepens the question of ethnic equity in Tinubu’s administration.