A recent interview featuring broadcast journalist Rufai Oseni and former Inspector General of Police Mike Okiro has generated widespread public discussion following remarks about the appointment of the current Inspector General of Police.
During the exchange, Oseni questioned why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is of Yoruba descent, appointed an Inspector General of Police from the same ethnic background. The journalist raised concerns about perceptions of ethnic balance in key national security appointments.
Responding to the question, Okiro argued that the appointee’s ethnicity should not disqualify him from serving in the role. He emphasized that the individual in question is a Nigerian citizen and should be evaluated based on competence and qualifications rather than ethnic identity.
The discussion has since sparked extensive debate across social media platforms, with commentators divided over issues of federal character, national unity, and merit-based appointments. Some observers argued that public offices should reflect Nigeria’s ethnic diversity, while others maintained that professional competence should remain the primary consideration.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official response from the Presidency regarding the interview or the broader public reaction. The development has renewed conversations about representation and inclusivity in federal appointments.
