Former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s 2023 Presidential Campaign, Daniel Bwala, has made a striking statement regarding the future of ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He declared that only the President has the final say on which ministers will remain in his cabinet.
Bwala’s remarks come amid ongoing speculation about a potential reshuffling in Tinubu’s cabinet, as discussions on the performance and longevity of key ministers gain momentum.
He outlined that the President alone has sovereignty in assigning and keeping members of his cabinet. Speaking on Channels TV’s ‘The Morning Brief’ programme on Thursday, Bwala noted that while public opinion and political pressure may influence decisions, it is ultimately up to President Tinubu to decide who will stay and who will go in his team of ministers.
“At the end of the day, only President Tinubu knows which ministers will stay,” Bwala emphasized. “He has the constitutional power to appoint, dismiss, or retain ministers at his discretion. This is one of the key privileges that come with the presidency.”
The statement has prompted discussion, especially given the high stakes surrounding the performance of Tinubu’s cabinet. Since his inauguration as President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu has been faced with multiple challenges, including economic difficulties, social unrest, and international relations issues. His government has had to balance the demands of good governance with the pressure to deliver rapid results.
As is typical with new administrations, the performance of the cabinet members is closely scrutinized by both the public and political stakeholders. Some analysts have suggested that a cabinet reshuffle might be on the horizon as part of Tinubu’s efforts to reposition his administration for success.
However, Bwala’s statements indicate that while such conversations are expected, the decision lies solely in Tinubu’s hands.
Bwala further clarified that the President is likely considering the strengths and weaknesses of his ministers, but external forces cannot directly dictate the direction of the cabinet. “While feedback from various sectors, including political allies, the opposition, and the public, may be considered, these are not definitive. Tinubu will make his decision based on his vision for Nigeria and the capacity of his ministers to execute that vision.”
Political insiders have echoed Bwala’s sentiments, highlighting that reshuffling ministers is a normal part of any administration, particularly when a government is working to accomplish its set goals in a time-sensitive environment. Nevertheless, they assert that it is critical for any changes to be made strategically, with a focus on maintaining stability while driving reforms.
In recent months, some ministers have faced criticism for what has been perceived as slow progress in addressing key national issues. The sectors of power, economy, and security have been under intense public scrutiny, with calls for improved leadership. Some political commentators have speculated that these areas could be the first to experience changes if President Tinubu chooses to reshuffle his cabinet.
Bwala’s remarks underline the importance of the presidency in shaping the nation’s direction. The power to hire and fire ministers is not only a constitutional responsibility but also a strategic tool for the President. By retaining, replacing, or reorganizing his cabinet, Tinubu can signal his priorities and strengthen his administration’s effectiveness.