Speculation mounts as President Bola Tinubu gears up to mark his first year in office with potential changes to his cabinet.
Since his inauguration on May 29, 2023, rumors suggest that several ministers might face dismissal and subsequent replacements, alongside a reorganization of ministerial responsibilities. Tinubu had previously hinted at periodic assessments of his cabinet members during a ministerial retreat last November, pledging to replace underperforming officials.
He stated, “Performance is key; those who don’t meet expectations will be replaced. Accountability rests with me.”
A team of approximately 140 officials, led by Special Adviser Mrs. Hadiza Bala Usman, is reportedly evaluating the performance of federal ministries and agencies. However, it remains unclear whether their findings will directly influence ministerial dismissals and reshuffling.
Additionally, Tinubu may use this opportunity to reconsider appointments of ministers facing scrutiny from anti-corruption agencies, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Meanwhile, former Benue State Governor and Senator Gabriel Suswam criticized Tinubu’s administration, stating that the appointed ministers lack effectiveness in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges. Suswam cited policies like the removal of petrol subsidies, currency depreciation, and electricity tariff hikes as evidence of the government’s failure to alleviate the people’s suffering. He made these remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Newsnight program.