- By Stephen Oribamise
Prof. Chinedu Nebo has accused President Tinubu’s administration of tribalism and nepotism. As a concerned Nigerian who has witnessed the evolution of our public institutions over the years, I feel compelled to respond to what appears to be a classic case of selective amnesia.
Prof. Nebo claimed in the interview that “virtually every appointment that comes out goes to the Southwest” under President Tinubu, adding that “Tinubu is much worse” than former President Buhari in this regard. Such serious accusations from a former minister and respected academic require careful scrutiny, especially when coming from someone whose own administrative record raises troubling questions.
As a parent of a student who attended Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) during Prof. Nebo’s tenure as Vice-Chancellor (2010-2013), I witnessed firsthand the transformation of what should have been a truly federal institution into what many described as an “Enugu outpost.” It was common knowledge on campus that an overwhelming majority of directors and heads of units–reportedly over 90%–hailed from Enugu State, Prof. Nebo’s home state.
The senior staff composition during that period reflected a similar pattern, with approximately 80% reportedly coming from the same region. How can Prof. Nebo, with this record, point fingers at others over regional favoritism? Is this not a textbook example of the pot calling the kettle black?
Perhaps most troubling was the sidelining of the then-registrar, Mr. Abiodun Adeyemo.
As parents of a new institution, we watched this unfold with disappointment, seeing a federal institution meant to foster nationalunity being run as though it were a private family business.
Read Also: Pope’s inaugural Mass: Tinubu banters with Obi, Fayemi at Vatican
Let me be clear: I support robust criticism of any government. President Tinubu’s administration must indeed ensure that federal appointments reflect Nigeria’s diversity. But such criticism loses all moral authority when it comes from individuals who have demonstrably failed to uphold the very principles they now champion.
The concept of federal character is enshrined in our constitution precisely because we recognize the danger of concentrating power and resources within any single ethnic or regional group. But this principle cannot be selectively invoked only when it serves personal political interests.
To Prof. Nebo and others who suddenly discover the importance of federal character when they are out of power, I say: practice what you preach. Our nation’s unity is too important to be weaponised for political convenience.
The next time Prof. Nebo feels compelled to lecture Nigerians about tribalism, perhaps he should first reflect on his own legacy at FUOYE and ask whether he upheld the inclusive values he now demands from others.
• Oribamise, a politician, writes from Oye