El-Rufai’s Criticism of Tinubu’s Appointments Sparks Heated Reactions
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has dismissed recent remarks by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as a “cheap shot.” El-Rufai’s criticism arose in response to allegations of ethnic favoritism in President Tinubu’s appointments, particularly within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The controversy was fueled by an article written by U.S.-based Nigerian professor and journalist, Farooq Kperogi, titled “Tinubu’s Buharisation of the NNPC.” In the piece, Kperogi accused President Tinubu of disproportionately appointing individuals from the Yoruba ethnic group to key positions within the NNPCL.
Kperogi cited an unnamed source who claimed that Bayo Ojulari is being considered to replace Mele Kyari as the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the NNPCL. He also compared Tinubu’s actions to the perceived ethnic imbalance during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, where northern appointees dominated key positions.
El-Rufai Criticized for Double Standards
Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani was quick to rebuke El-Rufai’s remarks. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Sani accused El-Rufai of selective outrage, pointing out his silence during Buhari’s administration, which heavily favored appointees from the northern region, including those from El-Rufai’s ethnic group.
“There were people who were silent when Buhari was filling political offices with his kinsmen and have now found their voice to speak out when the equation doesn’t favor them,” Sani wrote. He also referenced the marginalization of Southern Kaduna under El-Rufai’s governorship, describing the state as an “apartheid state for eight years.”
Onanuga Defends Tinubu
In response, Bayo Onanuga reposted Senator Sani’s statement, amplifying the criticism against El-Rufai. Onanuga labeled El-Rufai’s remarks as an unwarranted attack on President Tinubu, aligning with Sani’s view that the former governor’s position lacked credibility.
Broader Implications
The ongoing debate highlights growing tensions over the ethnic composition of political appointments in Nigeria, a recurring issue in the country’s political landscape. Critics argue that such practices deepen divisions, while defenders often frame them as necessary to ensure regional balance or reflect electoral mandates.
The back-and-forth also underscores the broader challenge facing Tinubu’s administration: balancing diverse regional and ethnic interests while addressing growing scrutiny of his leadership choices.
