The Arewa Youths Integrity Network (AYIN), a sociopolitical organization from northern Nigeria, has accused the President of favoring the Yoruba ethnic group while ignoring other tribes in Nigeria.
The organization notably condemned Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi’s recent nomination as Acting Accountant General of the Federation (AGoF).
In a statement, the organization expressed concern with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for choosing his Lagos kinsman to this vital position, especially because other Yoruba people already hold other significant positions in the administration.
It was recalled that on Tuesday, President Tinubu confirmed Ogunjimi’s appointment as Acting AGoF through his spokeswoman, Bayo Onanuga, a position he is anticipated to hold until Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein’s retirement in March 2025.
Ogunjimi’s appointment comes just a few months before Madein’s planned retirement and pre-retirement leave.
In a statement released on Friday, AYIN’s spokesperson, Barr. James Ismaila, stated that the group regards the nomination as disrespectful to the northern area, emphasizing that northerners are equally suited for such high-level jobs.
The statement continued, “Appointing another Yoruba guy, who is also nearing retirement, to replace an outgoing Yoruba woman in such a delicate post is a huge insult to the north. We, at AYIN, firmly reject this and will not tolerate it.
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“We supported Asiwaju in the 2023 election, despite regional pressure for a northern candidate, because we believed in Nigeria’s unity. We desired a southern president after eight years of northern leadership, in the spirit of fairness and justice. However, it appears that President Tinubu does not follow the same standards. It appears that only his family members are considered qualified for crucial positions.
“This country cannot proceed in this direction. Nigeria belongs to all tribes, including Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, and many others. Asiwaju should be president for all Nigerians, not just a specific group. He must free himself of any tendency toward nepotism and favoritism. We supported him because we believed in his vision; now he must live up to that trust,” the group said.
