Since assuming office, President Buhari has set about rebuilding his government by naming the heads of key parastatals and agencies but it appears that in doing so he has not taken cognisance of Nigeria's geographical widespread. In the security sector for instance, 14 of his 17 appointees are from northern Nigeria and this has prompted accusations of bias and favouritism.
Several southern pressure groups have expressed concern at the lopsided nature of such appointments and the development has also fuelled militant agitation in the southeast and the Niger Delta. Now aware of such displeasure, President Buhari has promised to be more sensitive with his appointments in the future.
Speaking over the weekend at the palace of the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk where he was hosted to the breaking of the Ramadan fast, President Buhari said he would not take any action in the country on the basis of prejudice as all matters would be considered objectively. He further promised to do his best to remain honest, fair and just leading the country into prosperity.
President Buhari added: "Under my watch, no section of the country would either be discriminated against or marginalised. I call on all Nigerians to support us as we seek to rebuild the country fairly, honestly and responsibly."
Several groups have accused the president for not reflecting federal character in his appointments since he assumed his office, saying this fuels marginalisation. In the southeast, this has fuelled calls for the recreation of the breakaway Biafran republic and in the Niger Delta, it has rekindled armed militancy.
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