Since the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29, 2015, as the 6th Executive President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the frequency of his major appointments from the North has generated murmurs of unease from citizens.
Political analysts, who expressed concerns, over the lopsided appointment, especially in the security sector, lamented that the mantra of change that the All Progressives Congress, APC, was parroting, may not be holistic, as it appears to be “pursuing a northern agenda”.
Post-Nigeria observed that as it stands, the entire National Security apparatus, is now firmly in the hands of northerners, a practice which is unprecedented.
The reason why Buhari is making this lopsided appointment, as opined by analysts, is probably to compensate the North, which turned out massively to vote for him in the last presidential election, against the South that disgustingly rejected him at the poll.
His proclamation during his inauguration speech declared, “I belong to nobody, I belong to everybody”.
However, his recent appointments are contrary to his claims.
1. Minister of Defence
Brigadier General, Mansur Mohammed Dan-Ali (Retired), is the Minister of Defence. He hails from Birnin Magaji, Zamfara State, in Northern Nigeria.
The Minister of Defence, is a senior cabinet official in the Federal Executive Council, FEC. The Defence Minister’s main responsibility, is to manage all branches of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the protection of the national territory, maritime interests and airspace.
2. National Security Adviser, NSA
Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (Retired), was appointed by Buhari to replace the embattled Sambo Dasuki. He hails from Borno State, Northern Nigeria.
The NSA, is a senior aide in the cabinet of the President of Nigeria, who serves as the Chief Advisor to the President on National Security issues. He participates in the meetings of the National Security Council and other deliberations on security matters.
The NSA is often appointed by the President of Nigeria and serves for a tenure that is not more than 4 years.
3. Director of the Department of State Security Service, DSS
Buhari, upon assumption of office had sacked Ita Ekpenyong, a southerner and appointed Lawal Daura, as the new head of the DSS. Daura is from Daura, Buhari’s hometown in Kastina State, Northern Nigeria.
The DSS is under the purview of the National Security Adviser and is in charge of internal security and intelligence.
4. Chief of Army Staff
Major General Tukur Buratai, is the Chief of Army Staff. He hails from Borno State, Northern Nigeria.
Until his new appointment, he was the Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force, which has its headquarters in Ndjamena. He is in charge of the Nigerian army.
5. Comptroller General of Custom
Buhari also approved the appointment of Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Retired), as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service. He replaced Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi, who retired from the service last year. Hameed Ali is from Bauchi State, Northern Nigeria.
6. Comptroller General of Immigration
Mohammed Babandede, who hails from Jigawa State, Northern Nigeria, was recently appointed as the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration. This followed the sack of the former Immigration boss, Martin Abeshi.
7. Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC
Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, hails from Muye Lapai Local Government of Niger State, North Central Nigeria.
He was appointed by Buhari as the Commandant General of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and overseas internal security concerns in conjunction with the Police.
8. Inspector General of Police, IGP
Buhari on Tuesday, June 21, also announced a former Kano State Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, as the new acting Inspector General of Police. He hails from Niger State, North Central Nigeria.
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