Some leaders of the 17 southern states, on Tuesday, accused President Muhammadu Buhari of engaging in lopsided appointments since he was sworn-in on May 29.
Meeting under the auspices of Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly (SNPA), Bishop Emmanuel Bolanle Gbonigi, Chief Edwin Clark, Chief Alex Ekwueme, Admiral Akin Aduwo, Senator Ngod Denton-West, Ndogesit Ekang, Senator Femi Okunronmu, Dr Kunle Olajide, and others accused the president of slanting his appointments in favour of the North.
They also accused the president of politicising the anti-graft war.
Gbonigi, the leader of the group, while commending Buhari for his anti-graft stance, however, said: “We appeal to him to be total and non-selective in the fight against corruption, going after corrupt persons in all political parties, inspiring even his closest political associates. Justice and the rule of law must reign supreme if the fight against corruption must be won.
“Elections are over and President Buhari is President over Nigeria and Nigerians. No section of the country should be over-patronised at the expense of others. It is our sincere hope that the lopsidedness in the appointments made by Mr. President to date is not an indication of the trend of future appointments.
“The constitution must be respected and the diversity of Nigeria must reflect in all appointments to guarantee stability, unity, peace and progress. A situation where the President, Senate President, the Speaker and Chief Justice are from the North is not acceptable.
“The South is not subservient to the North and the situation in which only the deputies are zoned to the South is not acceptable.”
Gbonigi advised the President to implement the recommendations of the National Conference for the benefit of all Nigerians.
To Clark, principles of equity, fairness and justice must be put into use in future appointments to be made by Buhari.
















