Ex-Nigerian Minister Questions Wisdom Behind President Tinubu’s Cabinet Reshuffle
President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to sack five ministers and appoint seven new ones has sparked a heated debate in Nigeria. Adebayo Shittu, a former Minister of Communications, has expressed his doubts about the effectiveness of the cabinet reshuffle, suggesting that the new appointees may not necessarily be better than those who were let go.
In an interview with Channels TV, Mr. Shittu stated that the changes may be more politically motivated than a genuine attempt to bring in superior minds. “I doubt whether it is necessarily bringing in superior minds or better minds, in terms of governance, in terms of expectations, in terms of performance,” he said. Mr. Shittu, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, believes that the cabinet shake-up is merely a political ritual aimed at appeasing disgruntled citizens.
According to Mr. Shittu, the appointment of ministers in Nigeria is often influenced by political considerations rather than meritocracy. “More often than not, it is not everybody who is appointed as a minister that fits in,” he noted. Mr. Shittu emphasized the need for the Senate to thoroughly screen the new ministerial nominees to ensure that they are suitable for their positions. He argued that Nigerians cannot afford to have “trial-and-error” ministers, citing the example of an engineer who is currently serving as the minister of works and making a positive impact due to his relevant expertise.
Mr. Shittu also pointed out that, as a lawyer, he would require significant time to learn and adapt if he were to be appointed to a ministry outside his area of expertise, such as the works ministry. He underscored the importance of choosing ministers who are well-equipped to handle the demands of their respective positions.
President Tinubu’s cabinet reshuffle has generated significant interest in Nigeria, with many observers eagerly awaiting the impact of the changes on the country’s governance. As the new ministers settle into their roles, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to deliver on the expectations of the Nigerian people.