The worsening insecurity and division in Nigeria are likely caused by President Muhammadu Buhari’s lopsided federal appointments.

This view was expressed by the senator representing Ondo Central at the National Assembly, Ayo Akinyelure.

“National Assembly members should be absolved of the blatant disregard of Buhari to the federal character principles in appointments into key positions in the country,” said Mr Akinyelure.

As evident in recent appointments, Mr Buhari, a Fulani, has been accused of appointing his cronies and members of his ethnic group into key positions.

Speaking in Akure, Mr Akinyelure said it was obvious to every Nigerian, including the All Progressives Congress, that Mr Buhari’s regime failed to comply with the Federal Character principle of engagement.

He noted, “This is a glaring fact to all Nigerians, the APC and the man in charge, many of their policies had failed to comply with the federal character principle of engagement.”

According to Mr Akinyelure, ethnic domination of key positions “might be responsible for the disunity and divisions” among various ethnic groups in the country.

The senator, however, admitted that when appointments were sent to the National Assembly, “we only look at the qualifications of those sent to the National Assembly to see if they are qualified and fit to hold such political office.”

Mr Akinyelure explained further, “This is because we cannot usurp the power of the Executive because there is a certain power conferred on the President by the constitution, and the President can hide under this power.”

“It is clear to all Nigerians that these federal appointments are not evenly distributed in line with the principle of federal character.”

The senator, who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public, added that “appointments into key positions must be on merit besides regional consideration to give every section of the country a sense of belonging.”

Recently, Yoruba political activist Sunday ‘Igboho’ Adeyemo had also accused Mr Buhari of favouring the Fulani regarding federal appointments.

According to Mr Adeyemo, critical federal agencies, especially the ports in Apapa and other maritime infrastructure, are controlled by Mr Buhari’s northern cronies.