A recent analysis conducted by a history professor at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, Prof Kemi Rotimi, has revealed that the North East and South East regions of Nigeria have been marginalised in the appointment of service chiefs in the nation’s security services over the years.
The data made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday in Abuja highlighted that a total of 45 heads of the Police and Armed forces have been appointed by six Presidents since the advent of democracy in 1999.
The professor said among the armed forces, the Nigerian Army has seen 12 chiefs, the Air Force 10 chiefs, the Navy 10 chiefs, and the Police 13 chiefs, resulting in a cumulative total of 45 appointments.
Breaking down the regional distribution, Prof. Rotimi highlighted that the North East region has produced four service chiefs, while the North Central has produced nine, the North West 12, the South West eight, the South East three, and the South South nine.
Examining the appointments made by different Presidents, it was revealed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed 13 heads of security agencies, former President Musa Yar’Adua appointed six, former President Goodluck Jonathan appointed 12, immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari appointed 10, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed four so far.
Expressing his observation, Prof Rotimi stated, “Except for the North East and South East, other zones have been fairly served.”
The professor further questioned whether these factual findings could help moderate the emotionalism surrounding the appointment of service chiefs in the country.
Speaking further, Prof Rotimi said that stakeholders should consider these facts when discussing the appointment process.
LEADERSHIP reports that as the issue of equitable distribution of key positions remains a topic of national concern, the analysis sheds light on the regional discrepancies in the appointment of service chiefs.
