Former Kaduna lawmaker Shehu Sani has advised President Bola Tinubu to avoid making the same appointment mistakes as his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. Sani shared his thoughts during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
In the interview, Sani stressed the importance of prioritizing competence in government appointments. He believes that this approach is essential for achieving effective results in governance.
Sani pointed out that during Buhari’s eight-year administration, from May 2015 to May 2023, nepotism was widespread. This, he said, led to poor performance in crucial areas such as security, the economy, education, and healthcare.
He explained that many of Buhari’s ministers remained in their positions for the entire duration of his administration, with no reshuffling or removals. Even when ministers were removed, it often took three to four months to find replacements, which negatively impacted governance.
Sani criticized this approach, stating that it allowed underperforming officials to remain in office and hindered the careers of other capable individuals. He noted that service chiefs were also kept in their roles despite failing to deliver results.
According to Sani, the country can only move forward if appointments are based on competence. He emphasized that prioritizing skill and ability in leadership roles is crucial for national progress.
Additionally, Sani expressed concern about the political leadership in northern Nigeria. He said that leaders from the region have not effectively used their power to address underdevelopment in the 19 states of northern Nigeria.
Sani concluded by saying that the power held by northern leaders has not benefited the people of the region for a long time. He urged that political leaders focus on improving the lives of their constituents through effective and competent governance.
