The much anticipated cabinet reshuffle is well overdue. While some have cautioned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu tread with caution, majority of public policy experts have agreed that having spent the last 17 months in the saddle, the president knows exactly where it pinches.
Like 33rd US President, Harry Truman, Tinubu certainly understand that in presidential democracy, “the buck stops here,” in his tabpe. The president takes the glory if everything goes well, the same way he single-handedly takes the blame if things go wrong.
Without a doubt, the Nigerian government needs fresh hands to ensure its eight-point Renewed Hope Agenda is properly navigated. The option of injecting new talent and expertise is necessary to revitalize the cabinet and address emerging challenges.
How long will a man who uses 20 years to rehearse madness live to practice it? Evidently, 20 children cannot play for 20 years. The foregoing is my 2K for President Tinubu as he perfects plan to rejig his cabinet. Without prejudice to the following constitutional provision, Section 147 (3) says, “Any appointment under subsection (2) of this section by the President shall be in conformity with the provisions of section 14(3) of this Constitution:- provided that in giving effect to the provisions aforesaid the President shall appoint at least one Minister from each State, who shall be an indigene of such.”
Regardless of the foregoing provision, Tinubu should dig deeper this time around. Granted that it was politically correct to accept recommendation of nominees when he assumed office in May, 2023; it’s no longer business as usual. There are too many fishes to fry. It’s no longer time for political correctness but performance evaluation. Besides, the problem with recommending ministerial nominees is that they’re, most times, loyal to those who facilitated their nomination.
This reminds me of the “Matawalle challenge.” Recall that in April this year, the former Governor of Northwestern state of Zamfara and current minister of State for Defence in Tinubu’s renewed hope administration, had challenged Northern appointees to rise up in government’s defense or quit.
Matawalle was right. Though presidential system grants the president the power to hire and fire, party considerations and different influences are stumbling blocks. I dare to say that vast majority of first set of Tinubu’s ministers were people he was not familiar with. Most of them have maintained sealed lips over unjust criticisms of the administration. Who knows if some are not fifth columnist, offering government information?
These shenanigans cannot continue at a time President Tinubu is in a hurry to bring succour to Nigerians. We expect that now that a new set of ministers are coming on board, there should be perfomance evaluation. The President should be courageous enough to flush ‘siddon look’ ministers or betrayers and appoint technocrats, not based on political connection but professional competence.
Since some ministers assumed duties, their ministries have turned to graveyards. There are no new initiatives and even the existing ones have collapse. The purpose of government is service to the people. What is the need to have a minister who cannot add value to governance? The party cannot sacrifice merit on the altar of political favouritism. If the eldorado continues, what is the party going to dangle before the electorate in 2027?
Apart from performance evaluation mechanism earlier suggested, President Tinubu should scrutinise thoroughly those to be posted to strategic ministeries to ensure quick deliveries, while those who were appointed for political exigencies should be shown the way to dormant ministeries. Government is not a family meeting or a tea party. It’s either you can deliver or you shouldn’t be there. The buck is entirely on the president’s table. If he decides to succumb to pressure from those who don’t mean well for Nigeria by appointing charlatans, he takes the blame.
As for the moles who are hiding in government like rats to bite it and be blowing breeze, their time is up. There’s no more hiding place. No longer will Tinubu that I know allow political hypocrites to stay pit in government and claim to be with government in the afternoon and do opposition at night.
Having said much, the proposed cabinet reshuffle is a significant move that requires careful consideration. Going specific, I’d suggest the following criteria and steps be followed to ensure we don’t throw away the baby and the bath water: First things first, the President should evaluate the performance of the current ministers, identifying areas of strength and weakness. This will help determine who should stay, go, or be reassigned.
Though a lot is being done in the area of the party’s campaign promises, a second look may be necessary in this review, and fresh hands are needed to add impetus. In rejigging his cabinet, President Tinubu must take into account the question of inclusivity and foster diversity. That means he must be seen as maintaining a balanced representation of various regions, ethnic groups, and expertise to promote unity and effective governance.
However, the president needs to consult security and intelligence community worldwide, while engage with stakeholders and party leaders, to build consensus and ensure a smooth cabinet reshuffle. Nevertheless, the president must be bold enough to say ‘no’, where necessary.
Some key portfolios are central to the success of any administration. President Tinubu will do well to personally launch a search party for competent hands (home and abroad), who will not only deliver results but in a timely manner.
Such ministries include the Ministry of Education which is critical and requires innovative solutions to address Nigeria’s educational challenges. Similarly, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is crucial because it’s responsible for improving healthcare outcomes and addressing social welfare concerns. The Ministry of Finance is also crucial for driving economic growth and stability.
By following these guidelines, President Tinubu can create a cabinet that is well-equipped to tackle Nigeria’s pressing issues and drive progress.
As it is now, there seems to be certain persons in the administration posing as double agents. This is why some of them don’t even go to their wards and constuencies to enlighten their people about what President Tinubu is doing to alleviate the living conditions of Nigerians. You don’t even see them on television or read them on the pages of newspapers speaking in defense of the president and his policies.
Tinubu must appoint those that are ready to identify with him whether he is asleep or awake. This is what a strong opposition leader was saying sometime ago, that if only the president would allow his political appointees to last more than a year and half, their prayers would be answered because their mission – to completely pull down the Tinubu administration – will be accomplished.
In conclusion, as President Tinubu prepares for a cabinet reshuffle, I urge caution and strategic consideration. To revitalize his Renewed Hope Agenda, he should prioritize competence and loyalty over political correctness. Evaluating ministerial performance, injecting fresh talent, and maintaining diversity will foster effective governance and unity.
Consultation with stakeholders is also crucial, but the President must also be willing to make tough decisions. By doing so, Tinubu can create a cabinet capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges and driving progress by bringing in people that are ready to identify with the Renewed Hope administration.
