society
Federal Character in Tatters: Tinubu’s CBN Appointments Are a Spit in Nigeria’s Face
Federal Character in Tatters: Tinubu’s CBN Appointments Are a Spit in Nigeria’s Face.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
The recent appointments made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have sparked a new wave of outrage across the country and rightly so. Out of 16 new directors appointed into the apex financial institution of Nigeria, 10 are of Yoruba extraction, while the rest of the over 300 ethnic groups in Nigeria are left scrambling for scraps from the national table. This is not only a blatant violation of the Federal Character Principle enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, it is also a shameful display of ETHNIC CHAUVINISM, reminiscent of a TRIBAL MONARCHY not a DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC.
A Brazen Assault on Federal Balance. The Federal Character Principle, codified in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), explicitly mandates that appointments into federal positions must reflect the diversity of the Nigerian federation. The law was not made for DECORATION or SYMBOLIC AFFIRMATION, it is a CONSTITUTIONAL OBLIGATION designed to hold the center of this volatile nation together.
Let us be clear: the Central Bank of Nigeria is not a STATE PARASTATAL. It is not a YORUBA HERITAGE INSTITUTION. It is a NATIONAL BODY, a symbol of Nigeria’s FINANCIAL SOVEREIGNTY, responsible for monetary stability, currency regulation and economic planning that affects every Nigerian from Sokoto to Calabar, from Maiduguri to Yenagoa. Yet, this is the shameful breakdown of the new appointments:
Dr. Olubukola Akinwunmi Akinniyi ~ Yoruba
Yusuf Rakiya Opeyemi ~ Yoruba
Aisha Isa-Olatinwo ~ Yoruba
Abdullahi Hamisu ~ North
Dr. OJumu Adenike Olubunmi ~ Yoruba
Mr. Makinde Kayode Olanrewaju ~ Yoruba
Mrs. Jide-Samuel Omoyemen Avbasowamen ~ Yoruba
Mrs. Sike Rita Ijeoma ~ Igbo
Dr. Victor Ugbem Oboh ~ South-South
Mr. Nakorji Musa ~ Middle Belt
Dr. Vincent Monsurat Modesola ~ Yoruba
Mr. Farouk Mujtaba Muhammad ~ North
Dr. Adetona Sikiru Adedeji ~ Yoruba
Mr. Hassan Ibrahim Umar ~ North
Mr. Solaja Mohammed-Jamiu Olayemi ~ Yoruba
Dr. Okpanachi Usman Mose ~ Middle Belt
When 10 out of 16 directors are from the president’s ethnic region, that is not coincidence; that is deliberate manipulation. This pattern mirrors other federal agencies, where appointments have heavily tilted toward Tinubu’s ethnic base, especially since 2023.
A Dangerous Pattern of Tribal Favoritism. Tinubu’s administration is rapidly setting a dangerous precedent: one in which ethnic loyalty is prized above competence, national unity or meritocracy. A presidency that was supposed to renew hope has instead renewed bitterness, ethnic suspicion and political exclusion.
If we cast our minds back, this is the same administration that:
Appointed Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff (Yoruba), Appointed Dele Alake as Minister of Solid Minerals (Yoruba), Appointed Wale Edun as Minister of Finance (Yoruba), Appointed Zacch Adedeji as Chairman of FIRS (Yoruba), And now packs the CBN board with mostly Yoruba names.
As Senator Shehu Sani once put it, “You can’t unite Nigeria by disuniting appointments.” If the South-East, South-South and the North-Central continue to be sidelined in these appointments, then what moral right does this administration have to preach unity?
The Constitution Is Not a Suggestion. It is crucial to stress that the Federal Character Commission Act is not optional. It is not a matter of presidential discretion, it is a legal obligation. Section 4(1) of the Act stipulates: “The Commission shall work out an equitable formula subject to the approval of the President for the distribution of all cadres of posts in the public service of the Federation and of the States…” but what we see under Tinubu is a total disregard for this fundamental constitutional principle. In a DEMOCRACY, the RULE-OF-LAW is SUPREME not the whims of any one man, no matter how politically powerful.
A Wake-Up Call for the Nigerian Masses. Let no one be deceived by political grammar or media propaganda. These appointments reveal exactly where Tinubu’s loyalty lies: with his tribe first, Nigeria last.
Nigerians must begin to ask the hard questions:
Why is there such a high concentration of Yoruba appointees in federal leadership under this government?
Is Nigeria truly one nation if one ethnic group dominates the financial and security architecture of the country?
Where is the equity? Where is the justice?
Nigeria is not Lagos and Lagos is not Nigeria. This country was not built by one tribe. It is the product of collective sacrifice; from the sweat of the Niger-Delta, to the farms of the North and the entrepreneurship of the South-East. As Chinua Achebe once said, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” This current failure is not just incompetence but a betrayal of the very soul of our nationhood.
We Must Reject Tribal Autocracy in 2027. Tinubu will come back in 2027, as expected, seeking re-election with a mouth full of promises and a track record full of ethnic favoritism. We must not forget. We must not be fooled by political jingles or ethnic sentiments. We must remember how he treated our diversity not with respect, but with contempt. Every appointment matters. Every director in CBN wields power, and when those appointments are skewed toward one region, it reflects an agenda; an agenda that must be rejected.
The Verdict: Tinubu’s pattern of appointments is unconstitutional, divisive and must be decisively rejected in 2027. NIGERIA BELONGS TO ALL OF US. We must remind this government and every future government that Nigeria does not belong to any tribe or region. IT BELONGS TO ALL OF US. Let it be known today that no tribe has the monopoly of intelligence or integrity. Excellence exists in every corner of this COUNTRY and the deliberate exclusion of non-Yoruba voices from key leadership positions is both UNCONSTITUTIONAL and MORALLY-REPUGNANT. 2027 is not far. We are watching. Name by name. Appointment by appointment. Nigeria must rise above TRIBALISM and RECLAIM its NATIONAL DIGNITY. If Tinubu cannot see the damage he’s doing, then we, the people, must open his eyes through the ballot box.
As Prof. Pat Utomi once said, “Nigeria’s future will be secured not by the tribe of the man at the top, but by the values he upholds.” It’s time to demand leadership that reflects those values.
Written by George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation
The City of Brampton has recognised Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun for his remarkable contributions to a transformative initiative designed to empower women through essential skill-building for independence and self-reliance. This formal acknowledgment took place on August 15, 2025, in Mayor Patrick Brown’s office during a visit from the Africa Made Economic Growth Initiative (AMEGI) team. Represented by his wife, Mrs. Omolara Egungbohun, Alhaji Dende received the certification amidst an atmosphere of gratitude and celebration. Mayor Brown presented the certificate personally and extended his commendations to the IBD Foundation for their relentless pursuit of women’s empowerment, development, and their philanthropic efforts.
The Certificate of Recognition underscored Egungbohun’s unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to create diverse opportunities for women to enhance their skills, develop their potential, and ultimately prosper in their personal and professional lives. As a philanthropist, esteemed businessman, and influential social figure, his impact in Nigeria and beyond is both profound and far-reaching.
Egungbohun’s generosity and steadfast commitment have significantly bolstered the confidence of program participants, facilitating their ability to envision and construct brighter futures while strengthening community ties. In his acknowledgment, Mayor Brown stated, “Your dedication uplifts those working to inspire others,” highlighting the deep and lasting influence of Egungbohun’s work in empowering women.
This initiative is not just a standalone effort; it harmonizes perfectly with Brampton’s broader mission to advocate for and uplift marginalized groups within the community. Egungbohun’s contributions serve as a vital catalyst for transformative change, offering practical skills that enhance employability while reshaping the economic and social framework for women. Through an assortment of workshops, mentorship programs, and robust support networks, he has fostered an encouraging environment where women can fully explore and realize their potential.
As Brampton steadfastly commits itself to promoting inclusivity and equity, leaders like Egungbohun exemplify how collaboration, vision, and genuine enthusiastic engagement can effectively turn hopes and aspirations into tangible realities. The public acknowledgment from the city not only honors individual efforts but also sends a resounding message, inspiring other community leaders and stakeholders to step up and invest in grassroots empowerment initiatives that uplift and serve those in need. This recognition is a clarion call for collective action toward a more equitable and inclusive society.
Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps
Tayo Folorunsho, renowned youth ambassador and edutainment advocate, has been officially nominated to be decorated as a Celebrity Special Marshal (CSM) of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The unveiling took place at the recently concluded FRSC Youth Hangout, held in celebration of the United Nations International Youth Day at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.
Over the years, Tayo Folorunsho has distinguished himself as a passionate youth leader, consistently driving initiatives that inspire and empower young people. His recognition as a Celebrity Special Marshal is not only a mark of honor but also a call to responsibility—championing road safety, responsibility, and positive change within society.
Speaking on the recognition, Tayo Folorunsho emphasized:
“This is more than an honor; it is a responsibility to use my voice and influence to promote safety, responsibility, and positive change on our roads.”
This milestone reinforces his commitment to youth empowerment, social responsibility, and nation-building through edutainment and advocacy.
society
FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria
FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria
In a country where road accidents claim thousands of lives each year—most of them young people—the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Edutainment First International have launched a bold new initiative to change the narrative. On Thursday, August 14, both organizations hosted the maiden Road Safety Youth Hangout at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.
The event, held to mark United Nations International Youth Day 2025, brought together more than 300 participants, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students, youth leaders, and community representatives. Unlike traditional road safety campaigns, the hangout was designed as an interactive forum blending education and entertainment, where young Nigerians could learn, innovate, and commit to safer road practices.
According to FRSC data, young people remain the most vulnerable demographic in road traffic crashes across Nigeria—an urgent concern this initiative aims to tackle. Through storytelling, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving, the Road Safety Youth Hangout sought to transform young Nigerians into advocates for safety within their communities.
“This is not just about rules and regulations,” said one of the organizers. “It’s about equipping young people with the tools and the voice to change Nigeria’s road culture.”
Aligned with the UN’s 2025 theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” the program underscored the critical role of young Nigerians in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those connected to health, safety, and responsible citizenship.
By focusing on empowerment rather than enforcement, FRSC and Edutainment First International signaled a fresh approach to road safety: investing in the next generation as the real drivers of change. The belief is simple yet powerful—an informed and empowered youth population is key to reducing accidents and saving lives.
For many participants, the hangout was more than just an event; it was a wake-up call. With interactive sessions infused with music, drama, and dialogue, young Nigerians were challenged to reflect on their daily habits as road users and to embrace leadership as advocates for safer communities.
As one youth participant reflected:
“Road safety isn’t just the job of the FRSC. It’s our responsibility too—because we are the ones most at risk.”
The maiden edition of the Road Safety Youth Hangout may have ended, but the movement it launched has only just begun. Its message was unmistakable: Nigeria’s fight for safer roads must be youth-led, collaborative, and relentless.
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