President Bola Tinubu’s choice to populate his cabinet with former governors facing allegations of corruption has drawn sharp criticism from Transparency International. The global anti-corruption organization specifically called out Tinubu’s selection of Bello Matawalle and Atiku Bagudu, former governors of Zamfara and Kebbi States respectively, as a contradiction to his campaign promises of combating corruption.
The scathing remarks were unveiled during a media briefing on Saturday by Musa Rafsanjani, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Transparency International in Nigeria. Rafsanjani highlighted that Tinubu’s nomination of ex-governors with ongoing graft cases demonstrated a disregard for public concerns about corruption.
Rafsanjani stated, “President Tinubu’s actions reflect a lack of concern for public integrity and the ramifications of corruption. It’s disheartening to see him assemble individuals with corruption allegations and a dearth of integrity in public service.”
The Transparency International representative further criticized Tinubu’s choices, pointing to instances where the President seemingly overlooked corruption allegations.
Rafsanjani drew attention to the controversial appointment of a Senate President facing corruption charges despite substantial evidence of wrongdoing.
Bagudu, who had faced accusations of money laundering and aiding former military dictator General Sani Abacha in embezzling public funds, was highlighted as one of Tinubu’s ministerial nominees. Matawalle, also nominated for a ministerial position, faced charges of misappropriating over N70 billion from government funds. Both individuals’ nominations raised eyebrows given their alleged financial misconduct.
Additionally, Transparency International brought to light the nominations of Gboyega Oyetola (Osun) and Simon Lalong (Plateau), former governors facing ministerial nominations by Tinubu.
The organization’s stance underscores the concerns over the President’s cabinet selections and their potential impact on the nation’s fight against corruption.
