Since Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in as the President of Nigeria, on May 29th, he has made series of appointments, which has raised criticisms among Nigerians. Some say, his appointments do not reflect the nation’s constitution, which states that, the federal character should seek to ensure that appointments to public service institutions, fairly reflect the linguistic, ethnic, religious, and geographic diversity of the country.
On Thursday, it was announced that President Buhari has appointed five people to assist with the economy. Four out of the five people appointed are from Northern Nigeria. Members of Buhari’s own political party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) have expressed disapproval of his appointments, with discontent from Nigerians as well.
Mixed reactions of Nigerians on Social Media
Nigerian: I am pro-Buhari, but pro-Federal Character and equal sharing. American: *confused* Me: Like being a gay Republican who hates guns.
— Elnathan (@elnathan) August 28, 2015
When i said this yesterday they said i think Buhari is infallible. https://t.co/HFT2H4oYPN — Miss DEE #SGIT (@AVARIBERRY) August 28, 2015
To be fair with Buhari he can only appoint people he knows. Before the campaign 4 the election Buhari largely hedged himself to the north.
— Nicholas Ibekwe (@nicholasibekwe) August 28, 2015
@nicholasibekwe He doesn’t knw IT AL. HE CANT APPOINT people he knows, he has a party 2 consult.Gross insensitivity, sole administrator like
— Pero (@Peflakes) August 28, 2015
@nicholasibekwe If Obj was appointing Those he knows Nigeria would never have known the likes of Dora and Ribadu
— Don B (@bishopmarn) August 28, 2015
Buhari’s new tranche of appointments seem credible, but tilted towards the North. Hoping 4 better regional spread in future appointments 1/
— Zainab Usman (@MssZeeUsman) August 27, 2015
I am not wailing, I hav no reason to wail, except for our poor Universities. I am solidly behind President Buhari. I want him to succeed 💯%.
— Dipo Awojide (@OgbeniDipo) August 27, 2015
I applaud Buhari on his recent appointments. For he has chosen merit over federal character. – Signed, Mallam Ikhide pic.twitter.com/nff7x7y1rI
— Pa Ikhide (@ikhide) August 27, 2015
President Buhari can’t afford to be seen as a sectional leader, it will quickly erode all the goodwill he has with Nigerians.
— Rosanwo (@rosanwo) August 27, 2015
Buhari’s appointment may be a better choice for Nigerians
Even though people have criticized the President’s appointments, they might be a better choice for Nigerians. For instance, before his appointment, Ibe Kachikwu the Group Managing Director of NNPC was a vice-chairman at Exxon Mobil. He graduated with distinctions from University of Nigeria Nsukka. Mr Ibe is already taking stringent measures to cleanse the NNPC. On the other hand, the credibility of some appointees is questionable. For example, the Senior Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives) Suleiman AbdulRahaman Kawu Sumaila was the famous gate climber in the November 20, 2014 National Assembly crisis.
Nigerians are patiently waiting for the ministerial list of President Buhari which he said would be out next month. There may be an uproar if the list is filled with Northerners.
