President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to dismiss five ministers was influenced by public feedback, according to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. Onanuga explained that the move was based on performance evaluations conducted by Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination, who led a comprehensive review involving the public’s perception of the ministers’ work.
The ministers affected by the dismissal included Barr. Uju-Ken Ohanenye (Women Affairs), Lola Ade-John (Tourism), Prof. Tahir Mamman (Education), Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo (State for Housing and Urban Development), and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim (Youth Development). Their removal followed speculation about a cabinet reshuffle, which heightened after President Tinubu returned from his vacation in France.
Speaking on ARISE TV, Onanuga emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly. He stated, “The appraisal was based on data gathered from Nigerians who were asked to provide their feedback on the ministers’ performance. This was a structured, fact-based approach to ensure that the decision was aligned with public sentiment.” He further noted that the move did not necessarily mean that the ministers were failing in their duties but highlighted the importance of public perception in shaping government actions.
President Tinubu had previously warned his ministers that performance would be closely monitored, and changes could be made if needed. During a retreat last October, he reiterated his readiness to make adjustments to ensure effective governance.
Following the dismissals, President Tinubu appointed seven new ministers to fill key roles in the cabinet. The nominees awaiting Senate confirmation are:
- Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction)
- Muhammadu Dingyadi (Labour & Employment)
- Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu (State Foreign Affairs)
- Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade and Investment)
- Idi Mukhtar Maiha (Livestock Development)
- Yusuf Ata (State, Housing and Urban Development)
- Suwaiba Ahmad (State Education)
In a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu urged quick confirmation of the nominees to ensure continuity in government functions. Akpabio has since directed the Committee of the Whole to process the appointments.
The president’s action was not limited to dismissals. Several ministers were reassigned to different roles to better utilize their expertise:
- Yusuf Sununu moved from Minister of State for Education to Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
- Olatunji Alausa, previously Minister of State for Health, became the Minister of Education.
- Bello Goronyo was reassigned from Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation to Minister of State Works.
- Abubakar Momoh transitioned from Minister of Niger Delta Development to Minister of Regional Development.
- Uba Maigari Ahmadu shifted from Minister of State, Steel Development, to Minister of State, Regional Development.
- Doris Uzoka-Anite, formerly Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, is now Minister of State Finance, assisting the Finance Minister.
- Sports Minister John Enoh was reassigned to Minister of State, Trade and Investment.
- Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim became Minister of Women Affairs, moving from her role as Minister of State, Police Affairs.
- Ayodele Olawande was elevated to Minister of Youth Development from his previous position as Minister of State for Youth Development.
- Iziak Salako, the Minister of State for Environment, took on the role of Minister of State for Health.
Onanuga described the reshuffle as a necessary step to bolster the government’s ability to tackle the nation’s challenges. “The President recognizes that the country faces complex issues, and to address them effectively, we need a robust team. This reshuffle ensures that we have the right people in the right roles to deliver on our promises,” he said.
By making these strategic changes, President Tinubu aims to improve the efficiency of his administration, responding directly to public feedback and expectations. The cabinet reshuffle reflects a commitment to refining leadership and ensuring that the government can meet the needs of the nation.
