Presidency dismisses claims of regional bias in Tinubu’s security appointments

By Kunle Sanni

Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation to President Bola Tinubu, has rejected allegations that the administration favors the South-West in appointing heads of security agencies.

In a post on his X account on Sunday, Dare shared data on the regional backgrounds of the 20 top security agency heads to counter perceptions of regional bias in the appointments.

“Facts do not lie. Here we see the regional outlook of President Tinubu’s appointments across 20 security agencies. The label of South-West favoritism does not fit. Nigeria, we hail thee!” Dare wrote.

Dare’s statement follows criticism on social media after President Tinubu appointed Olufemi Oloyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS). Critics alleged the administration prioritizes the president’s South-West region in key appointments. Oloyede’s appointment, however, is temporary, pending the return of Taoreed Lagbaja, the current COAS who is reportedly unwell.

According to the table shared by Dare, the North-West currently has the highest representation among security chiefs, holding eight top positions. The South-West follows with five appointees, while the North-Central has four. The North-East has three representatives, while the South-South and South-East regions have one each.

Dare argued that the data demonstrates a balanced distribution and does not support claims of South-West favoritism, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to equitable representation across Nigeria’s regions in top security roles.