Cabinet Reshuffle: Beyond the Federal Executive Council
By Yusuf Alhaji Lawan
Cabinet reshuffle is a strategic move in governance where leaders reassign or replace ministers to boost performance, accountability, and policy effectiveness. In Nigeria’s current landscape, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s impending cabinet reshuffle aims to address underperformance and enhance public engagement. This move can revitalize the administration, promote fresh perspectives, and improve service delivery.
Ordinarily, plans for cabinet reshuffle should be treated as confidential, only shared with those directly involved. Revealing this information prematurely can disrupt the administration’s smooth operation, particularly in a complex country like Nigeria. This sensitive information should have been kept under wraps until final decisions are taken before being made public. The news is capable of creating widespread speculations and rumors, destabilizing the government. Also, the Ministers may become distracted, impacting on their performance. This may shift the administration’s focus from governance to managing public perception.
Although, the news of a cabinet reshuffle can have a double-edged effect. On one hand, it can keep appointees on their toes, motivating them to perform better. However, it can also create unnecessary tension and anxiety in various quarters. This uncertainty may foster unhealthy competition among colleagues and intensify lobbying efforts from both deserving and undeserving individuals.
The planned cabinet reshuffle by the president should have a broader scope, extending beyond the Federal Executive Council to other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that haven’t been reviewed since the administration began. This move would help identify and address inefficiencies across the board, ensuring that all sectors are performing optimally.
The administration’s progress and future success are threatened by three major challenges that require urgent attention; the petroleum industry’s inefficiencies, poor economy and high rate of insecurity. These, if addressed, the administration will generate far-reaching acceptance, rewrite the history and leave an indelible mark in the minds of the populace.
READ ALSO: Tinubu to reshuffle cabinet soon, says presidency
The petroleum industry has become a significant concern in Nigeria since the announcement to end the petroleum subsidy regime. This move has led to untold hardship on innocent taxpayers, who were promised ease and relief but are yet to see the benefits. The controversy surrounding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Dangote Refinery has further exacerbated the situation, fueling prevalent mistrust, allegations, and counter-allegations against NNPCL and the administration.
Nigerians are still waiting to see the positive impact of the change in administration at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The economy continues to struggle, with a weakened naira, high inflation, and rising interest rates. During the 2023 presidential campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu criticized the previous administration for mishandling the economy, specifically the exchange rate, which had risen from less than N200 to N800 per dollar within eight years.
It’s worth noting that the president’s promise to revamp the economy has yet to materialize, and Nigerians are highly concerned about the country’s economic future. The high exchange rate, inflation, and interest rates continue to affect businesses and individuals alike, making it difficult for people to make ends meet.
Nigeria is grappling with a pervasive security crisis, as terrorist groups and criminal elements have established parallel presence across the country, undermining the government’s authority. This could be seen in growing concerns of regional security threats.
South-East is suffering from IPOB’s separatist activities and violence. North-West and North-Central are challenged by Bandits and kidnappers as they wreak havoc interminably, coupled with Farmers-Herders clashes. North-East is still battling with Boko Haram’s ongoing insurgency. South-South are struggling to contain oil bunkering and Militants, refer to the recent killing of soldiers in Delta State. South-West is also not left out as Ritual killers, kidnappers, and other criminal elements operate.
The situation has created a sense of insecurity and fear among citizens, with many feeling that the government is struggling to maintain control. The fragmentation of security threats across regions demands a coordinated and effective response from the authorities to restore order and protect Nigerian lives.
Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads, facing formidable challenges that demand swift and decisive action. The lingering petroleum industry crisis, economic instability, and pervasive insecurity threaten the very fabric of our nation. It is imperative that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration extends the cabinet reshuffle to these areas and prioritizes these concerns for the achievement of the purpose of leadership.
As Nigerians, we must remain vigilant, demanding progress and holding our leaders accountable. The time for rhetoric is over; the time for action is now. Together, we can navigate these challenges and build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.
Yusuf Alhaji Lawan writes from Hausawa Asibiti Ward, Potiskum Yobe State. He can be reached via nasidi30@gmail.com.
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