Ethnic Bias Allegations: Arewa Economic Forum Criticizes Appointments by President Tinubu

In a recent development, the Arewa Economic Forum, a group advocating for the economic advancement of northern regions, has leveled accusations of ethnic bias against President Bola Tinubu. The forum alleges that the President's selections for key positions within the economy display a noticeable favoritism toward individuals from his southwest region, particularly those with ties to Lagos State.

During a press conference held in Abuja, Ibrahim Shehu Yahaya, Chairman of the Arewa Economic Forum, voiced the concerns of the group. "We are afraid to state that a situation whereby the appointees in crucial economic sectors are not only from the southwest but also connected to the Lagos axis suggests a deliberate 'Yorubanisation' and 'Lagoslisation' of the polity," Yahaya asserted. He urged President Tinubu to consider broader representation in forthcoming appointments and important decisions.

The Arewa Economic Forum highlighted several appointments as evidence of their claims. Notably, the positions of Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy were pointed out as occupied by Mr. Wale Edun. Additionally, Mr. Folashodun Shonubi, the Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Mr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, were cited as further examples. The forum also noted the chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT, Afolabi Salisu, and the representative from the southwest in the House of Representatives, Adedeji Olajide Odidiomo, as contributing to the perception of a sectional bias.

When questioned about the forum's stance on similar concerns raised by former President Muhammadu Buhari during his tenure, Mr. Yahaya explained, "Arewa Economic Forum was not established then," indicating that the group had not been operational at that time.

As the debate over the alleged ethnic bias in appointments continues, the Arewa Economic Forum urges President Tinubu to take proactive steps in ensuring equitable representation and a balanced approach to decision-making, fostering unity and inclusivity across regions. The upcoming appointments and crucial decisions are seen as an opportunity for the President to address these concerns and demonstrate commitment to national unity and progress.