Open letter to President Bola Tinubu on lopsided appointments, nepotism and favouritism
PanNigerianNews
3 min read
Dear Mr. President,
I write to you with deep concerns regarding the glaring inequities in political appointments under your administration.
We, the citizens of Oyo State, feel marginalized and relegated to the status of second-class citizens despite our substantial support for your candidacy during the 2023 presidential election.
It appears that our contributions have not been adequately acknowledged or rewarded compared to other states, and this raises questions about equity and fairness in your administration.
Electoral Contributions and Disparities
In the presidential election held on February 25, 2023, Oyo State distinguished itself as a top performer in the South-West, delivering a significant number of votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite this, our efforts seem to have been overlooked in your August 2023 ministerial appointments.
The election results for the South-West States were as follows:
STATE – APC – PDP – LP – NNPP
EKITI – 201,494 – 89,554 – 11,397 – 264
OSUN – 343,945 – 354,366 – 23,283 – 713
ONDO – 369,924 – 115,463 – 44,405 – 930
OGUN – 341,554 – 123,831 – 85.829 – 2,200
OYO – 449,884 – 182,977 – 99,110 – 4,095
LAGOS – 572,606 – 75,750 – 582,454 – 8, 442
Despite Oyo State’s outstanding performance, we received only one ministerial appointment. In stark contrast, Ogun and Lagos States, which already have APC governors, were each allocated three ministerial slots, in addition to key positions such as the Chief of Staff to the President and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. This disparity is even more pronounced given that you, Mr. President, were defeated in your own state by the Labour Party candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
Underutilization of Talents
The sole ministerial position allocated to Oyo State was given to Chief Adebayo Abdul-Waheed Adelabu Penkelemesi, a highly qualified individual with a first-class degree in accounting and extensive experience in finance.
However, he was appointed as Minister of Power, a role that does not fully utilize his expertise. More fitting roles for someone of his caliber would have been Minister of Finance, Minister of Budget and National Planning, or Governor of the Central Bank.
This misallocation of talent not only undermines his potential contributions to our nation’s economic and financial sectors but also signifies a lost opportunity for more impactful leadership.
Recent Appointments in Education Governing Councils
The recent appointments to the Governing Councils of various federal universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education further illustrate the issue of unequitable distribution. The distribution is as follows:
State Number of Appointments
Oyo – 1
Osun and Lagos – 54
Ogun – 13
Akwa Ibom – 43
Adamawa – 32
Bayelsa – 5
Niger – 5
Cross River – 6, and so on.
Oyo State, which played a critical role in your electoral success, received only one appointment and that was assigned to a PDP member, Professor Afolabi.
In sharp contrast, Osun and Lagos States, where the APC lost to opposition parties in the last presidential election, received 54 slots collectively.
Adamawa State, which massively voted for their son, the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakr in the 2023 presidential election, secured 32 appointments.
Meanwhile, Niger State, where the APC garnered the highest votes in the North Central, was allocated only five slots. Such disparities raise serious questions about the criteria and fairness in these appointments.
Implications for 2027 and Beyond
These patterns of appointments suggest a troubling disregard for the contributions and support of Oyo State. Such actions could have significant long-term implications for political support and unity within the federation.
It is imperative that states that have demonstrated unwavering support receive appropriate recognition and equitable representation in federal appointments. This is not only a matter of fairness but also a means of fostering national cohesion and trust in the government.
Conclusion
Your Excellency, I earnestly urge you to reconsider the current approach to political appointments and ensure a more balanced and equitable distribution of positions that reflect the contributions and potential of each state.
This would not only honor the efforts of states like Oyo but also reinforce trust and confidence among the electorates in your leadership.
Equitable representation is crucial for maintaining political stability and unity across our diverse nation.
We await your response and look forward to witnessing a more inclusive and equitable administration.
Sincerely,
Hon. AbdWaasii Ismaheel Abiola
Kajola Local Government Area, Okeho
Oke-Ogun Zone,
Oyo State.
