A recent analysis conducted by a Professor of History at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, Professor Kemi Rotimi, has revealed that the North East and South East regions of Nigeria have been marginalised in the appointment of Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs and Inspector General of Police in the nation’s security services over the years.
The data highlighted that a total of 45 heads of the Police and Armed forces have been appointed by six Presidents since the advent of democracy on May 29, 1999.
The Professor said among the Armed Forces, the Nigerian Army has seen 12 Chief of Army Staff (COAS), the Navy (10 Chiefs of Naval Staff) Air Force (Chiefs of the Air Staff) and the Police 13 (Inspector Generals of Police), resulting in a cumulative total of 45 appointments.
Breaking down the regional distribution, Professor Rotimi highlighted that the North East region has produced four Service Chiefs, while the North Central has produced nine, the North West 12, the South West eight, the South East three, and the South South nine.
Examining the appointments made by different Presidents, it was revealed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed 13 heads of security agencies, former President Musa Yar’Adua appointed six, former President Goodluck Jonathan appointed 12, immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari appointed 10, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed four so far.
Expressing his observation, Prof Rotimi stated, “Except for the North East and South East, other zones have been fairly served.”
The Professor further questioned whether these factual findings could help moderate the emotionalism surrounding the appointment of CDS, Service Chiefs and IGPs in the country.
Speaking further, Professor Rotimi said stakeholders should consider these facts when discussing the appointment process.
The issue of equitable distribution of key positions remains a topic of national concern, the analysis sheds light on the regional discrepancies in the appointment of service chiefs.
First published in Leadership
