Leaders of a coalition of ethnic groups under the auspices of The Natives have defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on recent appointments he made, arguing vehemently that there was nothing like ‘Yorubanisation’ in the allocation of political offices as some persons were claiming.
The Natives, which comprises of 371 ethnic, religious and tribal backgrounds, with about 20 million members across the country, insisted that Tinubu has been fair and just in implementing the era of Renewed Hope he promised Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Supreme Leader of the Natives, Hon. Smart Edwards, the group also congratulated the President on his outing at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Edwards said they were happy and proud of what the President and Vice President Kashim Shettima have accomplished within the first 100 days in office.
He pointed out that nobody could fathom the choice of a young lady as Minster of Youth, a known ENDSARS promoter in the same governance plane with the president as minister of Digital Economy, or better still a former governor from the opposition party in charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Edwards noted: “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 Natives called on President Tinubu to continue to unburden and 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,” it added.
