Ahead of the cabinet reshuffle, President Bola Tinubu has called for fresh scorecards from his 46 ministers, prompting an increase in lobbying efforts among political figures and cabinet members seeking to secure their positions.
The Presidency confirmed on Wednesday that the planned cabinet shake-up is imminent, aligning with reports from earlier this month. As speculation grows, many ministers have begun reaching out to their political allies to influence the President’s decisions.
“It is common for ministers to call on their godfathers for support,” said a presidential aide. “However, the President will ultimately act in the best interest of the country.”
Sources indicate that the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, has raised concerns about the mounting pressure on Tinubu from political figures anxious about their roles in the Federal Executive Council. Since news of the potential cabinet reshuffle emerged, there has been intense lobbying by ministers and their supporters.
“The President has faced immense pressure from those fearing dismissal,” the source noted. “In response, the Chief of Staff suggested that the President take a brief hiatus in the UK to allow the lobbying to ease.”
Despite the political maneuvering, there is widespread dissatisfaction among Nigerians regarding the performance of several ministers. The President has made it clear that those not meeting expectations may face removal.
While a formal announcement of the cabinet changes is anticipated around October 1, no specific timeline has been confirmed. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that the reshuffle will be informed by empirical performance evaluations the President has received over the past months.
Onanuga emphasized the importance of ministers effectively communicating their accomplishments, as many have been criticized for a lack of visibility and engagement. He noted that the President expects all ministers to actively promote their work and highlight the government’s achievements.
The reshuffle may also include the potential dissolution of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, with plans to merge and split various portfolios. Reports suggest that Tinubu intends to ensure accountability within his cabinet, with performance metrics guiding his decisions.
This move comes in response to public frustration over economic challenges, corruption, and security issues. Many citizens feel that the government has not delivered on promises made during the electoral campaign.
As lobbying efforts escalate, the cabinet faces scrutiny not just for individual performance but also for the overall effectiveness of the administration in addressing the needs and concerns of the Nigerian populace.
