When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced sweeping leadership changes at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) on August 20, 2025, he said the appointments, made “with immediate effect,” underscored his resolve to reposition national broadcasting as a tool for unity, cohesion and soft power.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Rotimi Pedro, a seasoned broadcast executive with more than 20 years of experience, was named Director-General of the NTA and vowed to revive what he described as a “dying brand” through innovation, technology and audience engagement.

Stella Din-Jacob, former Director of News and Editor-in-Chief at Television Continental, was also appointed Executive Director (News), calling the responsibility “humbling and weighty.”

Less than two weeks later, however, the Presidency reversed the appointments of Pedro, Din-Jacob and Karimah Bello, the Executive Director (Marketing), reinstating their predecessors.

The abrupt reversal reignited debate over the administration’s commitment to reforming the state broadcaster and highlighted what critics describe as a broader pattern of policy and appointment U-turns.

A pattern, not an isolated case

The NTA episode is far from unique.

In recent months, President Tinubu has modified or withdrawn several high-profile appointments, in some cases within hours of their announcement. While such moves are often framed as decisiveness, they have instead bred uncertainty across the civil service, political circles and public institutions.

Detractors argue the trend reflects rushed decisions followed by reactive corrections, while allies insist it shows adaptability to evolving political and administrative realities.

Reversal within hours

In August, Tinubu reappointed Muheeba Dankaka for a second five-year term as chairperson of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) and named Mohammed Musa as secretary.

Within hours, Dankaka was removed and replaced with former lawmaker Ayo Omidiran. No official explanation was offered, despite earlier allegations of mismanagement against Dankaka.

Party loyalty over appointments

In 2024, the President appointed Asu Okang, a Peoples Democratic Party member, to the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The move triggered protests from APC members in Cross River State, and Okang was replaced days later by Orok Otuk Duke.

A similar scenario played out in Ondo State, where APC opposition led to the replacement of Victor Akinjo with Otito Atikase on the NDDC board.

Ruby Onwudiwe’s nomination to the Central Bank of Nigeria board was also withdrawn after APC pressure over her public support for the Labour Party during the 2023 elections. Her name was quietly dropped, and Melvin Ayogu was later nominated and confirmed.

INEC nominations withdrawn

On March 18, President Tinubu asked the Senate to reverse the appointments of two Resident Electoral Commissioners just six days after submitting their names.

The Presidency said the move was necessary to renew the tenure of an existing REC, illustrating how administrative adjustments can undo prior decisions.

FERMA chair controversy

The appointment of 24-year-old Ibrahim Kashim Imam as chairman of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency board sparked widespread criticism over age and experience.

The appointment was withdrawn two days later without explanation.

UBEC and NCC reshuffles

Idris Olorunnimbe was appointed chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission in March, replaced in July by Tanko Al-Makura, and later reappointed as chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission — a sequence that deepened concerns about consistency in leadership appointments.

Ministerial nominee turned back at the gate

One of the most dramatic reversals occurred in August 2023 when Maryam Shetty arrived at the National Assembly for ministerial screening, only to be informed at the entrance that her nomination had been withdrawn and replaced.

No official reason was provided.

Two postmasters-general saga

Confusion engulfed the Nigerian Postal Service in October 2023 when conflicting announcements resulted in two individuals laying claim to the post of postmaster-general.

Although the presidency eventually prevailed, the episode raised serious questions about coordination within government.

Turkey ambassador U-turn

Most recently, less than 24 hours after announcing Usman Dakingari as ambassador-designate to Turkey, the Presidency reversed course, stating that no such appointment had been made. As with previous reversals, no explanation was given.

While earlier administrations were criticised for sluggish appointments, Tinubu’s government is now under scrutiny for the frequency and speed of its reversals.