The Presidency has denied claims that the Tinubu administration is favouring the South West region over others regarding appointments in the security sector.
Following the appointment of Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff, many, particularly on social media, accused President Bola Tinubu of “Yorubanisation,” a term implying preferential treatment for the Yoruba people.
Oluyede’s appointment comes as he replaces General Tahoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who is currently abroad receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment.
Critics have pointed out that there are other qualified generals from different regions who could have filled Lagbaja’s role, raising concerns about regional favoritism.
In response to these allegations, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications and Orientation, released a list of the heads of security agencies appointed by Tinubu to clarify the administration’s stance on regional representation in security appointments.
“Facts do not lie. Below we see laid bare the facts about the regional outlook of President Tinubu’s appointments within 20 security agencies. The label of him favouring Yorubas in the Security set up does not fit. Nigeria we hail thee!,” Dare captioned the post.
Here’s the full list of the 22 heads of Nigeria’s security agencies, along with their regions and roles.
North West
1. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar – Minister of Defence
2. Bello Matawalle – Minister of State for Defence
3. General Christopher Gwabin Musa – Chief of Defence Staff
4. Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar – Chief of Air Staff
5. Haliru Nababa – Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service
6. Shehu Usman Mohammed – Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission
7. Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu – Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission
8. Brig Gen YD Ahmed – Director-General, National Youth Service Corps
South West
1. Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja – Chief of Army Staff (with Major General Olufemi Oluyede in acting capacity).
2. Kayode Egbetokun – Inspector General of Police
3. Adeola Ajayi – Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS)
4. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi – Comptroller-General of Customs
5. Olanipekun Olukoyede – Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
North Central
1. Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed – Director General of the NIA (National Intelligence Agency)
2. Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi – Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps
3. Engr. Jaji O. Abdulganiyu – Controller General of the Federal Fire Service
4. Kemi Nandap – Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (by marriage)
North East
1. Nuhu Ribadu – National Security Adviser
2. Mohammed Buba Marwa – Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency
3. Hajiya Hafsat Bakari – CEO, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit
South South
1. Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye – Chief of Defence Intelligence
South East
1. Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla – Chief of Naval Staff
