Tinubu again neglects South-East, names 11 Northern leaders to top national roles

DDM News

The Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a new round of federal appointments, naming 24 individuals to key positions across national agencies, in what the Presidency describes as a move to deepen inclusive governance.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that 11 of the new appointees are from Northern Nigeria, with no significant representation from the South-East, reigniting longstanding concerns over marginalization of the region in federal allocations and political patronage.

The list features individuals from states such as Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Benue, Kwara, and Adamawa, who are set to oversee strategic institutions in agriculture, labour, education, and social empowerment.

Some of the prominent names include Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani from Zamfara, who now heads the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) as Managing Director, and Hamza Ibrahim Baba from Kano, appointed as Programme Manager of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP).

Also on the list is Abubakar Umar Jarengol of Adamawa, who will serve as Executive Director, Operations at NAIC, a post that underscores the administration’s continued focus on agricultural reform and food security.

The government also appointed Barr. Sama’ila Audu (Katsina) as Executive Director of Administration at the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and Prof. Musa Garba Mai Tafsiri (Kebbi) as Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education.

Critics have questioned the fairness of the selection, pointing to the near-total absence of appointees from the South-East, a region that has long expressed grievances about being left out of national decision-making.

While the Presidency insists that the selections reflect “a commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda” and are based on merit and regional inclusiveness, the optics of the appointments are fuelling allegations of favoritism towards the North.

Observers note that Katsina State alone produced at least four new appointees, while entire regions such as the South-East were conspicuously missing from the roster.

Tinubu’s presidency has faced recurring scrutiny over what many southern leaders perceive as uneven distribution of political opportunities.

This latest development may further widen the trust gap between the federal government and the South-East, particularly as the zone continues to push for political equity and structural reform.

Despite reassurances from government spokespeople, calls are growing louder for a truly balanced national outlook in both appointments and policy focus.

The appointments come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with insecurity, inflation, and economic stagnation, placing greater pressure on public institutions to deliver rapid and inclusive development outcomes.

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