Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has dismissed allegations of imbalance in President Bola Tinubu’s appointments, asserting the administration’s firm commitment to fairness, equity, and national cohesion.

Akume’s remarks, delivered on Friday, come in the wake of criticisms by Senator Ali Ndume, who had accused the President of breaching constitutional provisions in the distribution of federal appointments, particularly with regard to the Northeast region.

In response, the SGF emphasized that all appointments made by the Tinubu administration align with the constitutional requirement for federal character.

“All appointments under the current administration led by President Tinubu are made in strict adherence to Federal Character Principle, as enshrined in Section 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Altered),” Akume said in a statement.

He maintained that President Tinubu “is a strong adherent of the unity of Nigeria and is guided by the ideals of fairness and tenets of justice in all appointments.”

Akume further stressed the administration’s commitment to inclusiveness.

“It is against this backdrop that the administration is dedicated to ensuring that all regions and demographics of the country are adequately represented in its institutions and agencies,” he stated.

His comments follow the release of a detailed breakdown of appointments by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, who outlined the spread of appointments across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.

To counter growing criticism, Akume called on citizens to ignore misinformation and instead rely on official channels.

“Pokers of embers of hate and disunity who carry tendentious and unfounded allegations should never be taken seriously by Nigerians,” he noted.

He urged the public to verify any inquiries regarding appointments through his office. According to the statement signed by his Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, “inquiries with respect to appointments should be channeled through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, which is the official custodian of such actions.”

Akume reaffirmed that the government remains “steadfast in its pursuit of a prosperous, united and equitable Nigeria, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration.”

The Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has issued a strong warning to the newly appointed sole administrators of the state’s 23 local government areas, cautioning them against financial recklessness and abuse of office.

During a meeting held on Friday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Ibas made it clear that accountability and transparency would be the guiding principles of his administration, despite growing controversy over the appointments.

“I will not tolerate any form of recklessness, abuse of office, or misuse of public funds,” he declared.

“You are here to serve the people, not yourselves. Every kobo spent must be accounted for, and the people must see value for their money.”

The administrator urged the new officials to focus on key sectors including sanitation, environmental management, primary healthcare, the welfare and discipline of local government staff, education, and youth development.

“These are the key areas by which your performance will be assessed in the coming weeks,” he said.

“This is not the time for excuses. It is the time for results.”

He stressed that local government administrators must embody transparency and integrity in all their dealings.

“The people deserve to know how their money is being used. You owe them not only accountability but also dedication to their well-being,” Ibas said.

To ensure effective oversight, Ibas announced plans to implement mechanisms that will track local government activities and ensure adherence to proper governance procedures.

“We will establish a robust monitoring system to ensure that public funds are used judiciously. There will be zero tolerance for financial recklessness or any form of corruption,” he added.

Meanwhile, the political tension surrounding the appointments continues to mount. Governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have condemned the move, calling it a violation of the Nigerian Constitution and a threat to democracy.

“The appointment of unelected individuals to administer local governments is a violation of the constitution and an affront to democracy,” a PDP governor said at a recent press conference.

“We urge President Tinubu to act before it is too late.”

Despite the criticisms, Vice Admiral Ibas reaffirmed his commitment to restoring peace, order, and democratic principles in Rivers State.

“Your mandate is clear: restore peace and stability in your respective councils, and help return our democratic institutions to full operation,” he told the administrators.

“This responsibility is sacred, and you must carry it out with discipline, care, and utmost respect for the people you serve.”

As his tenure nears its end, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has officially hinted at his impending exit during a regional electoral summit in Gambia.

Speaking at the extraordinary general assembly of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) in Banjul, Yakubu said this would be his final attendance as INEC Chair, sparking a fresh wave of political speculation over his replacement.

Yakubu’s absence earlier in the week had fueled rumors of his removal by President Bola Tinubu, particularly after a Labour Party delegation was received by Acting Chairman Sam Olumekun at the INEC headquarters.

The Commission, however, clarified that Yakubu was away for official duties in Gambia, and his position remains intact for now.

Addressing colleagues at the ECONEC meeting, Yakubu, who previously led the ECONEC Steering Committee, expressed concern over the retreat of democracy in West Africa, noting that while all regional countries were under democratic rule in 2017, four have since backslid into non-democratic governance.

He expressed hope for a democratic resurgence in the sub-region.

Meanwhile, attention is now shifting to who might succeed Yakubu and from which region the next INEC boss should emerge.

The discussion has already generated tension, with northern stakeholders urging President Tinubu to avoid a Southwestern nominee.

Critics argue that any move to appoint a Yoruba successor would only deepen suspicions of ethnic favoritism, especially given Tinubu’s existing appointments.

Some believe that appointing a Yoruba INEC Chair could precondition the outcome of the 2027 elections in favour of the incumbent president.

In response, Southwest elder statesman and Afenifere chieftain, Senator Femi Okurounmu, defended Tinubu’s right to appoint anyone he deems competent, stating, “Nobody should play up any ethnic sentiment now if Tinubu decides to pick a Yoruba man to replace Yakubu.”

Okurounmu also pointed out that since Nigeria’s independence, no Yoruba has ever headed the electoral commission—whether as FEDECO, NECON, or INEC.

He listed past chairmen, noting they have come from various regions, but none from the Southwest.

Northern elder, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, echoed a similar view, saying the President should not be pressured or distracted by ethnic debates.

“The constitution gives him the power to appoint the INEC Chairman,” he said, “and he has enough political experience to act in the nation’s interest.”

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) also dismissed attempts to influence Tinubu’s decision.

Its leader, Birtus Porgu, described the ongoing political lobbying as “a waste of time,” insisting the President is not one to bow to pressure.

In the same vein, President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Yerima Shetima, and the Director General of the National Consultative Front (NCFront), Wale Okunniyi, called for reforms that would take the power of appointing the INEC Chairman away from the presidency, advocating a more democratic process instead.

While the conversation continues, INEC spokesperson Rotimi Oyekanmi confirmed that Yakubu’s absence was simply due to his participation in the international meeting and had nothing to do with his tenure or status.