Tinubu Has Promised The Following People Key Political Appointments
President Bola Tinubu has pledged to appoint women, youth, and individuals with disabilities to significant positions in his government, aligning with constitutional provisions. He also affirmed that his administration will uphold fairness in political appointments, regardless of gender or age.
“In accordance with constitutional provisions and a commitment to fairness, we will continue to make key appointments. Women, Youth, and the physically challenged will receive due consideration in these appointments,” the president assured in his address commemorating Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary on Sunday.
While ministerial appointments appear to be concluded, there are still important roles in various government agencies that remain unfilled. These vacancies may be the focus of the president’s commitment.
Beyond the general principles of fairness enshrined in Nigerian laws, there is an existing ruling on the 35 percent Affirmative Action. Concerned about the consistent disregard for this action in appointing women to public office, nine civil society organizations filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian government on August 24, 2020.
In April 2022, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted the group’s request in a judgment, instructing then-President Muhammadu Buhari to enforce the National Gender Policy by allocating 35 percent of public sector appointments to women. However, the Buhari administration did not comply with the judgment before its tenure ended in May of that year.
President Tinubu also commended the Senate for swiftly screening and confirming the ministerial nominees, acknowledging the National Assembly’s crucial role in the smooth commencement of his administration through constitutional duties of confirmation and oversight.
He further extended congratulations to the judiciary, recognizing it as a cornerstone of democracy and justice.
President Tinubu’s commitments align with the Federal Character Commission Act No 34 of 1996, which aims to enforce the Federal Character Principle of equity and fairness in the allocation of public positions and socio-economic infrastructure across the various states in the country. One of the roles of the Federal Character Commission is to develop an equitable formula, subject to presidential approval, for the distribution of all levels of positions in the civil and public service of Nigeria.
