In anticipation of a cabinet reshuffle, President Bola Tinubu is demanding fresh performance evaluations from 46 ministers, prompting a surge in lobbying efforts from both the ministers and their political allies. The announcement from the Presidency on Wednesday confirmed earlier reports indicating that a shake-up was on the horizon.
Sources within the administration revealed that numerous ministers are actively seeking to secure their positions by engaging their political godfathers to influence the President’s decisions. One presidential aide stated, “It’s common for ministers to reach out to their backers. However, the President will ultimately prioritize what he believes is best for the nation.”
Concerns have been raised about the increasing pressure on Tinubu from political figures and ministers anxious about being replaced. Some officials have advised the President to take a brief respite in the UK to alleviate the mounting pressures following his attendance at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in China.
Despite the usual political maneuvering, there is a palpable dissatisfaction among the public regarding the performance of several ministers. The President is expected to make critical decisions based on performance metrics, as articulated by his aides.
Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga reiterated that the reshuffle would hinge on empirical evidence gathered over recent months, emphasizing that there is no set timeline for the changes, although an announcement might come by October 1.
Tinubu has been facing growing demands from both his party, the All Progressives Congress, and the public to replace underperforming ministers. Reports suggest that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation may be eliminated in this cabinet overhaul.
As part of ongoing evaluations, the Central Delivery Coordination Unit, led by Hadiza Bala-Usman, has been instrumental in assessing ministerial performance, with results influencing future appointments. The President has made it clear that only those who demonstrate effectiveness will remain in their roles.
Public sentiment has been increasingly critical, with widespread frustration surrounding issues such as economic instability, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits. The #Endbadgovernance protests, which occurred in August, highlighted growing dissatisfaction with the government’s performance, leading to calls for renewed accountability.
Key ministers have had varied success in their roles, with some, like Amb. Yusuf Tuggar and Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, receiving praise for their initiatives, while others face scrutiny over unfulfilled promises and policies that have contributed to rising economic hardships.
As the pressure mounts, the President’s commitment to reforming his cabinet remains steadfast. The upcoming reshuffle is poised to reshape the landscape of Nigeria’s governance, with performance as the guiding principle.
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