The political situation in Nigeria

Nigerian government criticized – breaking agreement

Criticism has grown against Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, with some accusing the head of state of favoring people from his own Yoruba ethnic group, writes the BBC. Critics say that Tinubu, who is Muslim, showed signs of ignoring precedent from the beginning when he chose another Muslim as his running mate in the last election.

The president denies the allegations.

There has long been an informal agreement within Nigerian politics that the election of a president should balance the country's ethnic and religious differences.

But now there is growing concern that the agreement is being ignored and that one ethnic group would come to dominate key positions in the country.

Since 1999, the major parties have advocated a mix of Muslims and Christians in key positions, as these are the two largest religions in the country.

There are over 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Over 30 killed in Nigeria – cause unclear

More than 30 people have been killed in several attacks in the state of Benue in central Nigeria.

This was stated by Ormin Torsar Victor, a representative of the local government in the affected area, to AFP.

The cause of the violence is unclear but there have long been bloody conflicts in the area between nomadic cattle breeders and farmers.

The attacks were targeted at three villages between Friday and Sunday, according to Victor.