The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised strong concerns over what it perceives as a worrying trend of ethnocentric governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. In a recent press release, the organization criticized the President’s recent appointments, which it claims overwhelmingly favour individuals from the South-West region, specifically the Yoruba ethnic group. HURIWA warns that this practice, if not urgently addressed, threatens Nigeria’s unity and long-term stability.

Recent appointments made by President Tinubu have sparked significant controversy nationwide. According to HURIWA, a pattern of favouritism is evident, with key positions dominated by individuals tied to the President’s ethnic and regional background, particularly those from Lagos and its neighbouring areas. Among the critical roles currently held by individuals of South-West origin are the Minister of Finance, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Head of Customs, the Chairman of the Tax Reforms Committee, the Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, amongst many others.

Additionally, HURIWA highlighted that the finance and information technology sectors—pivotal to Nigeria’s economic future – are dominated by South-Westerners. These include the Minister of Communications Innovation and Digital Economy, and the heads of ICT committees in the National Assembly. The trend extends to the security sector, where crucial appointments are similarly skewed. High-ranking security positions, such as the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police, the Commander of the Guards Brigade, and the Director-General of the Department of Security Service, are all held by Yoruba individuals.

HURIWA’s concerns were amplified by President Tinubu’s recent appointment of three Directors-General, all of whom are Yoruba. According to HURIWA, these appointments continue a pattern of power concentration observed since the start of Tinubu’s administration. The association believes this ongoing concentration of power within a single ethnic group is reminiscent of the regional favouritism seen during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. This trend, according to HURIWA, violates the federal character principle, which is embedded in Nigeria’s Constitution to ensure fair representation of the country’s diverse regions and ethnic groups in key government roles.

HURIWA warns that President Tinubu’s apparent bias in favour of the South-West undermines Nigeria’s federal structure and risks deepening existing divisions within the country. By sidelining other regions – particularly the Igbos of the South-East – the administration may exacerbate feelings of alienation and marginalization among significant sections of the population. This sense of exclusion could heighten regional tensions and fuel discontent, particularly in areas with a history of calls for greater autonomy or independence.

The association also argued that such a narrow selection process deprives Nigeria of the full range of its human resources. By restricting key appointments to individuals from the South-West, President Tinubu’s administration risks overlooking qualified and capable candidates from other regions who could contribute significantly to Nigeria’s development. HURIWA emphasized that Nigeria’s diverse talent pool should be harnessed to tackle the nation’s complex economic, security, and governance challenges.

In light of these concerns, HURIWA urged President Tinubu to immediately reassess his appointment strategy to promote inclusivity in governance. The organization called for a more balanced representation of Nigeria’s diverse regions, ethnicities, and faiths in high-level government positions, to foster a sense of belonging among all Nigerians. It stressed that embracing diversity is not only a constitutional mandate but also a moral obligation for any administration committed to national unity.

HURIWA also encouraged civil society, regional organizations, and political stakeholders to pressure the government to comply with the federal character principle. The association argues that adherence to this principle is crucial to preserving Nigeria’s unity and stability, warning that the failure to do so could deepen mistrust in government institutions and fuel disunity.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s history, HURIWA pointed out that the country’s brutal civil war from 1967 to 1970 was rooted in ethnic and regional disparities—a dark chapter that must not be repeated. The organization cautioned that any perception of marginalization or exclusion in governance could reignite old grievances, leading to widespread instability and conflict.

HURIWA reiterated that fair and inclusive governance is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy and that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity. The association concluded by calling on President Tinubu to make a course correction by halting the trend of ethnocentric appointments. A government that genuinely reflects Nigeria’s diverse population, according to HURIWA, is the only path toward achieving sustainable development and fostering a united nation.

Conclusively, HURIWA urged all Nigerians, lawmakers, and opinion leaders to hold the President accountable for his actions, advocating for transparency, fairness, and justice in all government appointments. The organization emphasized that persistent refusal to diversify appointments could erode national trust and deepen divisions – a risk that Nigeria can no longer afford to take.

HURIWA’s final call was for an immediate rebalancing of the administration’s appointments to ensure that all regions have a stake in the country’s governance, highlighting that only an inclusive government can secure Nigeria’s future.