Buhari, Federal Character And The Lopsided Appointments

Pursuant to the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in Section 14(3) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the unity of all the component parts of the federation as well as the need to effectively recognize the diversity of the people within the states and local government councils are undoubtedly well thought-out.

Emphatically, the federal character is, among others conceived as a basic guide in the composition of the government of the federation putting into consideration the multi-ethnic groups that formed the great country Nigerian.
The grundnorm thus distinctively frowns at any attempt against over-deployment or predominance of persons from a few states or ethnic groups in the government, or in any of its agencies for the purpose of promoting and preserving national unity, and essentially to justifiably command national loyalty.

Incidentally, the present composition of the federal government so far is believed in some quarters as lopsided rather than spread equitably across all the geopolitical zones in the country. This verdict was convincingly arrived at based on President’s kitchen-cabinet appointments which seemingly favoured the northern part of the country where the President hails from.

Taking a cursory look, the opinion may not be considered biased if trivially weighed vis-à-vis the number of appointees in the presidency so far. Explicatively, the presidency on its part has reiterated on the administration’s obligation to abide by the constitution of the country in ensuring that federal character in the constitution is clearly underscored, precisely through equitable balance in the subsequent appointments.

Predominantly, the Constitution highlights on equitable and qualitative composition which however, is perceptibly commendable, nevertheless, could be counter-productive where susceptibility is deficient which may adversely affect the overall service-delivery; the hallmark of democracy.

The previous PDP administration’s colossal failure was due to its negligence and lack of blueprint and political-will to do away with appointees with fraudulent tendencies, rather, it considered it apt to retain but repeatedly accused them of frustrating the efforts of the administration. To start with, how did those appointees come about to be part of the government?

Often, political leaders and state governors were usually consulted to make nominations to the President for the composition of the government of the federation from their respective states and political parties in view of the federal character as enshrined in the Constitution. Incidentally, apart from party allegiance, the criterion was absolutely on academic credentials without rigorous consideration to ideology and trustworthiness. 

In most cases, appointments and positions are sold as commodities to persons that are unfamiliar even to the President or with stringent conditions like pecuniary returns to the nominating godfathers irrespective of personal commitment to the government. This concept the President on assumption of office fervidly discarded, and consequently refused to accept any nominations from the state governors or politicians as usual.

Inarguably, this has been the virus that promotes corruption in Nigeria. It apparently attests to the President’s understanding and practical knowledge of leadership, especially that such inimical procedures that yielded no positive results cannot reasonably be sustained irrespective of its inveteracy except in a goal-less administration.

Possibly, Mr. President must have learnt helpful lessons from his predecessor whose administration was characterized by endless excuses even exasperatingly pointing accusing fingers to both the leading opposition party then as well as members of his government which he solely hired and could equally fire without any form of explanations to anyone. Often, some critics misguidedly use the PDP governments’ modus operandi as yardsticks in evaluating the policies of the present government forgetting that the overwhelming desire for change as offered by the now ruling APC party was prompted by PDP’s lack of direction and purpose leading to its abysmal failures over the years.

Thus, the President’s determination to sagaciously start with a team he considers dependable and passionate enough to work with is actually a reflection of a political-will and sensitivity to lead the country out of the present predicaments. Indeed, it is a demonstration of the President’s strong-minded priority to put in place landmark structures and achievements with fewer distractions. Invariably, the federal character should inexorably be reflected in appointments for national harmony but not to substitute the dividends of democracy that are inexcusable and sacrosanct.

The three previous PDP administrations that ruled Nigeria from 1999 to 2015 had one thing in common; none of the Presidents personally visualized the high office of the President of Nigeria unlike the incumbent President Mohammadu Buhari who had self-assuredly aspired and doggedly contested for the position for three consecutive times earlier. All others were circumstantially ideas sold or offered to them. The decisions to contest for the office of the President of Nigeria were actually communicated to them as surprise packages by the powers that be at those times for reasons best known to them. Perhaps, recall that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was in the prison when he was endorsed by the then ‘powers that be’ leading to his immediate release which coincided with the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party in whose platform he contested. Thereafter, in usual manner, he endorsed the deceased former President Umaru Musa Yar'adua with Goodluck Jonathan as his Vice in the heat of botched attempt on third time agenda, and with the power of incumbency, successfully enthroned them. Subsequently, with the same structure, former President Goodluck Jonathan was elected and continued till the present alliance of All Progressive Congress that sent him packing.

Remarkably, during the inauguration, President Buhari’s unequivocal watchword that "I belong to everybody; I belong to nobody" impliedly communicated his priority to distinguish himself, by running an exemplary government in exchange of the overwhelming peoples’ mandate. Essentially, he has without doubt taken responsibility over his government unlike his immediate predecessor.

By inference, none of the flimsy excuses adduced by the erstwhile administration is attainable here. Suffice to say that the President clearly understands his position; that the success or failure of this administration lies entirely on him and on Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s head, and not on anyone else even the North, hence the utmost concern of the people should be to have a government that is indeed characterized by ‘change’ in all ramifications with a primary goal of renaissance in Nigeria rather than overemphasizing on the geographical zones that will occupy this or that position.

By-and-large, service delivery which will positively affect the citizenry, and eradicate corruption to a large extent as well as the miserable inadequacies should be prioritized than the equitable composition of ethnic groups in government. Productivity must be our collective focal point and concerns.