Tinubu’s Ministerial Appointments Breach Federal Character, Says Ozekhome

Constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Prof. Mike Ozekhome has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s latest ministerial appointments, claiming they violate the Federal Character principle enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

Ozekhome argued that the appointments concentrated too many positions in certain regions, particularly Ogun State, which now holds four ministerial posts, while other states have minimal representation. “In a country of 236 million people, with 36 states and 774 local councils, it’s concerning to see one of the smaller states receiving four ministers,” Ozekhome noted, pointing to Sections 14 (1), 14 (3), 153, and 7(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandate fair regional representation to foster national unity.

Critiquing the recent reshuffle, Ozekhome described the changes as largely “cosmetic,” noting that many ministries underperformed even after these adjustments. However, he praised the decision to unify regional development commissions—such as the Niger Delta Development Commission, North East Development Commission, and others—under the Ministry of Regional Development. This restructuring, along with the absorption of the Ministry of Sports’ functions into the National Sports Commission, he described as steps in the right direction.

Ozekhome’s comments reflect broader concerns over fair representation and inclusivity in federal appointments, as Nigerians continue to call for balanced governance to promote social justice and unity.