A pro-democracy group, The Natives, has defended appointments made by President Bola Tinubu, dismissing allegations of Yorubanisation agenda in the exercise.
The Supreme Leader of The Natives, Smart Edwards, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said that the President’s appointments have been fair, just and in line with the ‘Renewed Hope’ he promised the nation.
The group, comprises of 371 ethnics, religious and tribal backgrounds with about 20 million members across the country, congratulated the President on his outing at the 2023 United Nations General Assembly, UNGA.
Mr Edwards said: “There is no such thing as Yorubanization, it is not like anything in the past, it’s a government of competence, excellence and balance.
“No one tribe, region or religion can truly fill over 6000 vacant appointments, all that is needed in this era is hope, renewed hope.
“We want to see all regions, religions, tribes and communities involved in governance today.
“President Tinubu is appointing competence and fairness whether in the paramilitary military, security agencies, economic and strategic political offices, he is making a major statement.
“Can you fathom a young girl as Minster of Youth, a known endsars promoter in the same plane with President Tinubu as Minister of Digital Economy or better still Former Governor Wike in Charge of the FCT.
“We are encouraged that Southern Kaduna oversees our Defense and a Fulani man is in charge of our National Security, we can see the importance of new ways.
“Mr. President, you are a trailblazer, a thinker and a doer, your detractors would have wished it was not you that rang that bell at NASDAQ in New York, United States or that the event was not UNGA neither in New York, signaling investors and economic hope, more instructing was how the world watched the last man standing become the Chief Marketer of Justice and Renewed Hope for Africa and Africans
“As Natives, we are indeed proud of what yourself and amiable Vice President Kashim Shettima have accomplished and set rolling in 100days, the future is certainly clearer, as we encourage you to be more steadfast in your dynamic approach, leadership and faith in God and his ability to grant you more wisdom to steer the ship of our Nation to our greater destiny.”
The statement called on the President to continue to unbundle agencies with strangleholds, dominations and imbalance, while commending the career progression in security agencies and commissions.
“Your leadership is exemplary because beyond your party and followers, the offices, MDAs and Commissions are witnessing fresh breath, so we urge your excellency to also summon courage to continue to make history and impact when you further appoint rare Nigerians into offices, like you did in FCT, CDS, NSA, Customs, Education and Youths amongst others, giving a sense of balance and fairness.”
