Former Presidential Spokesman and Public Affairs Commentator, Kassim Afegbua, has stated that public discourse in Nigeria is often shaped by ethnic perspectives, regardless of the issues at hand. He noted that decisions such as retirement, appointments, or removals from office are frequently interpreted through what he described as “ethnic binoculars,” reflecting the diverse and opinionated nature of the country.
He recalled a past instance where a retired military general was appointed as the sole administrator of the Nigeria Customs Service, serving for eight years without major public outcry. He contrasted that experience with current reactions to similar appointments, emphasizing that responses often depend on prevailing sentiments rather than consistent standards.
He said in an interview with Arise TV, There is nothing you do in this country that people don’t have different opinions about, whether they have been told to leave their position, whether they are due for retirement, and all of that. Issues are often assessed essentially from ethnic binoculars—ethnic point of view—whether you like it or not. There was a time when a military general who had been retired was brought in to be sole administrator of customs services. I didn’t see heads rolling. I didn’t see the criticism. He spent eight solid years in that position and left only when Tinubu came on board.
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