Former Senator Shehu Sani, renowned for his outspokenness, has delivered a strong message to President Bola Tinubu, cautioning against repeating the mistakes of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, when it comes to appointments.
Sani passionately appealed to President Tinubu to prioritize competence in his appointments if he truly desires to propel the country forward and achieve tangible results.
Reflecting on the eight-year administration of President Buhari from May 2015 to May 2023, Sani highlighted the rampant nepotism that permeated all areas of governance, particularly in the realms of security, economy, education, and healthcare.
Despite the prevalence of favoritism, Sani noted that the desired outcomes were not effectively realized during Buhari’s tenure.
“I implore President Tinubu to exercise caution and learn from the mistakes of President Buhari. With his vast experience, I trust that he understands the importance of this,” emphasized Sani.
Drawing attention to the prolonged tenures of certain ministers under President Buhari, Sani expressed concern over their lack of performance and the absence of cabinet reshuffling or removals.
He lamented that even in cases where removals did occur, the process of replacing ministers would often stretch out for three to four months, resulting in a stagnant governance system.
Sani underscored the prevalence of nepotism during Buhari’s administration, where individuals were appointed to positions of power and allowed to remain there, regardless of their level of contribution or effectiveness.
He also criticized the retention of underperforming service chiefs, which not only hindered progress but also adversely affected the careers of talented officers who were left behind.
To pave the way for progress, Sani stressed the urgent need for Nigerians to prioritize competence as the primary qualification for appointments.
He drew attention to the underdevelopment plaguing the northern region of the country, attributing it to the failure of political leaders, particularly those from the region, to utilize their power effectively for the betterment of the people.
Questioning the utilization of political power in the region, Sani urged leaders to consider the long-neglected needs of the people and redirect their efforts towards sustainable development.
In his impassioned plea, Shehu Sani called for a transformative approach to governance, emphasizing the imperative of competent appointments and the utilization of political power for the benefit of all Nigerians.
