News

Nepotism Under Buhari Worse Than Tinubu’s Govt — Shehu Sani

Published

1 year ago

April 17, 2025

Amid the accusation of nepotism against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, former federal lawmaker Senator Shehu Sani said that former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government committed worse nepotism.

President Tinubu’s administration has been heavily criticised lately, particularly by northern politicians, who strongly believe his appointments are largely skewed in favour of his home region, the southwest.

In a recent interview, Ali Ndume, the Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, accused the president of running a ‘non-inclusive’ government, saying his political appointments do not reflect the federal character principle.

However, on Thursday, while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Sani countered the nepotism allegation against Tinubu, arguing that the Buhari administration was worse in terms of favouritism.

It is clear the nation has a very short memory, and then we simply forget what happened the last time Buhari was in power. What was the profile of nepotism at that time? He asked.

Sani recalled that during the ex-president’s administration, about 30 federal appointments were given to people from Katsina, Buhari’s state.

“The DG of SSS, Daura was from Katsina state, the DG of NIA, Rufai was from Katsina state, the MPA, my sister Hadiza, she’s from Katsina state, Director of Federal Mortgage Bank, Katsina state, SMEDAN, Katsina state, FRCN Katsina state, NIMET Katsina state, NIMASA Katsina state, Railway Corporation, Katsina state, all those things, you don’t talk of Chairman of federal civil service about 30 (of them) We don’t have time, I can state all of them. All from Katsina state,” he said.

To further prove his point, the former lawmaker said most military and para-military appointments were skewed in favour of the northern region.

“At a certain time in this country, the Controller General of Immigration, which is Babendede, is from northern Nigeria. Customs, Hamid Ali is from northern Nigeria, Civil Defense, Audi is from northern Nigeria, Chairman of Federal Road Safety Corps is from northern Nigeria. Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba is from northern Nigeria, the Chief of Nava staff, the Chief of Army Staff, they’re all from northern Nigeria. We have had all these things here, and you have never had any person from the south of part of the country raising issues,” Sani argued.

He maintained that some of the northern politicians kicking against Tinubu’s appointments are angry because they have issues with his government.

Sani also questioned the moral stand of Tinubu’s critics, saying they kept quiet when nepotism perpetrated by Buhari favoured them.

“I will appreciate the morality of your position if I can hear your voice when you’re on man from your tribe, from your ethnic group and from your own tribal identity by perpetrating those evil attitude against it. And when you keep quiet when it favored you, and now you speak out when it doesn’t favor you,” he said.

While admitting that two wrongs do not make a right, he warned Tinubu to be careful. He said the President does not have to toe the line because his predecessor filled major positions with people from his state and region.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.