The former Senator who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, Shehu Sani, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against repeating the mistakes in appointments made by his immediate predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.
In an interview, it was reported that the former legislator implored President Tinubu to prioritize competency in his appointments, emphasizing that this approach is crucial for achieving tangible results that will propel the country forward.
Sani pointed out that during Buhari’s two terms from May 2015 to May 2023, nepotism was rampant, yet there was a lack of significant progress in critical areas such as security, economy, education, and healthcare.
“I would counsel President Tinubu to exercise caution in order to avoid the errors made by President Buhari. I am confident that he possesses the experience necessary to grasp this,” Sani stated.
He highlighted that under Buhari’s leadership, ministers served for the entire eight years without any reshuffling or dismissals, which significantly impacted the governance structure.
Sani criticized the retention of non-performing officials, including service chiefs, which not only hindered progress but also led to the stagnation and detriment of many promising careers.
To propel the country forward, Sani stressed the importance of appointing individuals based on competence rather than other considerations.
He expressed concern over the failure of political leaders, particularly those from the northern region, to utilize their power effectively to address the pervasive underdevelopment in the 19 states of the area.
Sani questioned the motives behind the exercise of such power, highlighting that it has not translated into tangible benefits for the populace for an extended period.
Sani urged President Tinubu to learn from these mistakes and prioritize competence in his appointments to ensure progress and development in critical sectors. He emphasized the need for reshuffling and dismissing non-performing officials to drive effective governance and propel the country forward. Tinubu’s ability to make strategic and competent appointments will be crucial in avoiding the pitfalls experienced during Buhari’s tenure.
