Since the dawn of a new democratic dispensation in 1999, one major accusation that every elected president in Nigeria has faced is that of nepotism; a leader who exhibits an unhealthy sense of tribal or regional bias when appointing individuals to man certain positions in government....CONTINUE READING
When it comes to the issue of national appointments, Nigerians are famous for playing the regional, ethnic, and religious cards. More often than not, most ethnic groups are quick to cry blue murder when Nigerian presidents hand out ‘juicy appointments’ to certain individuals whom they feel are most qualified for the job.
It is also quite important to note that since it assumed office in 2015, the Muhammadu Buhari regime has been accused of nepotism far more than all his predecessors combined. It is even this claim of marginalization and regional neglect that has perhaps been the bedrock of secessionist agitations in recent times.
This, therefore, is perhaps the reason why Senator Shehu Sani decided to react to the recent appointment of Samson Karebo as the new Acting Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS). Karebo, who was former Deputy Controller-General (DCG), was appointed by the president to take over from the outgoing Controller-General Liman Ibrahim on Thursday, December 30, 2021.
PHOTO: New Acting-Controller General Federal Fire Service, Samson Karebo (Left) and outgoing Controller General, Liman Ibrahim. Credit: The CABLE.
Reacting to the appointment via his verified Twitter handle, Sani expressed surprise that no other tribe in the country has come up to complain that they have been denied the position.
At this point, I must say that the former Lawmaker is right in his observation. It is quite unusual that not a single ethnic group, religious body, or region has held a press briefing to lampoon the president on his choice of appointment. What could be the reason? Is the office of the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service not considered as ‘juicy’ like that of other paramilitary agencies like the Nigerian Customs or the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) whose appointments have often generated sharp contentions from the polity?
This perhaps shows some level of hypocrisy and bias among the leaders of our country’s various ethnic groups. After all, an appointment is an appointment regardless of the ministry, agency, or portfolio.