Last-minute appointment changes and sudden policy reversals are becoming hallmarks of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, drawing criticism for what is perceived as careless decision-making and inadequate internal coordination.
Muheeba Dankaka was replaced as the chairperson of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) just four hours after being reappointed, and Maryam Shetty’s ministerial nomination was abruptly withdrawn while she was already at the Senate for screening. These actions have caused many Nigerians to wonder about the administration’s planning.
First, Muheeba Dankaka’s four-hour check-in
Muheeba Dankaka was reappointed as the head of the FCC on Monday by President Tinubu for a further five-year term. The president, without providing a formal explanation, replaced her four hours later with former lawmaker Ayo Omidiran.
According to presidential assistant Bayo Onanuga, Dankaka’s term had been marred by criticism. Even the Ilorin Emir applauded her before realizing the proclamation had been rescinded, demonstrating the continuing confusion.
2. REC Nominees for INEC Withdrawn
Days after appointing two INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners, Owede Kosioma Eli (Bayelsa) and Mohammad Ngoshe (Borno), Tinubu retracted his candidacy on March 18, 2024. Umar Mukhtar was reappointed as Borno’s REC, and Johnson Silnikiem was assigned to Bayelsa.
3. CBN Board Candidate Discontinued
Ruby Onwudiwe’s candidacy to the CBN board was withdrawn by Tinubu on March 14, 2024, just two days after she had sent her name to the Senate. It is said that the decision was influenced by party pressure over her political membership.
4. The abrupt withdrawal of Maryam Shetty as a minister
Upon her arrival in the Senate for ministerial screening in August 2023, Maryam Shetty learned that her nomination had been revoked. In an instance that garnered both pity and mockery on the internet, Mariya Mahmoud’s name was substituted for hers.
5. NDDC Board Reorganization Within a Day
On September 2, 2023, less than a day after naming them, Tinubu substituted Otito Atikase for Ondo’s Victor Akinjo and Orok Duke for Cross River’s NDDC nominee, Asi Okang. After locals and APC members in both states protested, the transition was made.
6. FERMA Chair Reversed Nomination
The presidency appointed Kashim Imam to the position of chairman of the FERMA board on October 13, 2023. Less than a week later, the appointment was discreetly revoked, and the State House said in a statement that it had no impact on other board selections.
7. Last-Minute Exemptions for Board Dissolution
The boards of all federal parastatals, agencies, and government-owned businesses were disbanded by Tinubu in June 2023. The SGF’s office explained that NAFDAC and NDLEA were excluded a few hours later, but they provided no other details.
