Former senator Shehu Sani has spoken out in defense of President Bola Tinubu, saying that the previous administration under Muhammadu Buhari showed more favoritism than Tinubu’s government.
Sani made these comments during an interview on Channels TV. He was responding to criticisms from some northern politicians, including Senator Ali Ndume, who said Tinubu’s administration is not inclusive and favors the southwest.
Sani said many Nigerians have forgotten how appointments were made during Buhari’s eight years in power. He explained that many important government positions were held by people from Buhari’s home state, Katsina.
He listed examples such as the heads of the SSS, NIA, Federal Mortgage Bank, SMEDAN, FRCN, NIMET, NIMASA, and the Railway Corporation — all from Katsina. Sani also pointed out that top security positions like immigration, customs, civil defense, police, army, and navy were mostly held by people from the northern region.
Sani criticized those who were silent during Buhari’s time but are now attacking Tinubu.
“I would understand your concern if you had spoken out back then,” Sani said. “But it seems you only speak when it doesn’t benefit you.”
While Sani agreed that Tinubu needs to be fair in his appointments, he said people should not act like Buhari did a better job. “Two wrongs don’t make a right,” he added. “But we must admit that Buhari started this trend.”
He advised President Tinubu to avoid favoritism and include all regions fairly to keep the country united. “Nigeria is too fragile for this kind of favoritism,” he warned.
