President Tinubu Reverses Several Appointments: Complete List

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has come under fire for what is perceived as careless decision-making and inadequate internal coordination due to his sudden policy reversals and last-minute appointment changes.
The president’s vacillations have caused many Nigerians to doubt the administration’s planning, from the abrupt removal of Maryam Shetty’s ministerial nomination while she was already at the Senate for screening to the appointment of Muheeba Dankaka as the chairperson of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) just four hours after reappointment.

1. The four-hour appointment with Muheeba Dankaka

President Tinubu reappointed Muheeba Dankaka as the head of the FCC on Monday for a further five-year term. Ayo Omidiran, a former politician, took her position four hours later, with no formal explanation given.

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Bayo Onanuga, a presidential assistant, claimed that controversy had plagued Dankaka’s administration. Even the Emir of Ilorin applauded her before realizing the news had been retracted, demonstrating the bewilderment nonetheless.

2. Withdrawn INEC REC Nominees

Days after naming two INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners, Owede Kosioma Eli (Bayelsa) and Mohammad Ngoshe (Borno), Tinubu retracted his nomination on March 18, 2024. For Borno, Umar Mukhtar was reappointed as REC, and Johnson Silnikiem was assigned to Bayelsa.

3. Dropped CBN Board Nominee

On March 14, 2024, Tinubu retracted Ruby Onwudiwe’s candidacy to the CBN board, just two days after sending her name to the Senate. According to reports, the decision was impacted by party pressure regarding her political membership.

4. The Unexpected Ministerial Withdrawal of Maryam Shetty

Maryam Shetty learned her nomination had been withdrawn when she appeared at the Senate for ministerial screening in August 2023. In an episode that sparked internet mockery and pity, Mariya Mahmoud’s name was substituted for hers.

5. A 24-Hour NDDC Board Shake-Up

A day after announcing them, on September 2, 2023, Tinubu substituted Otito Atikase for Victor Akinjo of Ondo and Orok Duke for Asi Okang, the NDDC contender from Cross River. Residents and APC members in both states protested the switch.

6. Reversal of FERMA Chair Nomination

The presidency appointed Kashim Imam as the FERMA board chairperson on October 13, 2023. The nomination was quietly revoked less than a week later, and the State House said in a statement that it had no impact on subsequent board selections.

7. Board Dissolution With Exclusions at the Last Minute

Tinubu disbanded the boards of all federal agencies, parastatals, and government-owned businesses in June 2023. Without providing an explanation, the SGF’s office stated a few hours later that NAFDAC and NDLEA were exempt.