By Adedapo Adesanya
A few ministers in the administration of President Bola Tinubu are already panicking over an imminent cabinet reshuffle hinted on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
While addressing newsmen in Abuja yesterday, the veteran journalist stated that his boss was likely going to let some ministers go not meeting expectations.
Mr Tinubu has nearly ministers in his cabinet, the largest in the history of the country despite calls by several persons on the need to cut the cost of governance.
Speaking with State House correspondents on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Mr Onanuga said contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the current government has recorded significant achievements in its quest to transform the economy, of which members of the public are unaware.
He noted that President Tinubu has ordered his ministers to ensure they engage the public by publicising what the government is doing in their various ministries.
“I don’t have any timeline. The President has expressed his desire to reshuffle his cabinet and will do it. I don’t know whether he wants to do it before October 1, but he will surely do it,” he said.
Explaining further the reason for Mr Tinubu’s decision, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Strategy Engagement and Communications, Mr O’tega Ogra, said it is based on empirical evidence.
Mr Ogra noted that during the retreat that was organised for the ministers shortly after their inauguration in August 2023, President Tinubu made it clear that there would be periodic reviews of their performance and that the review would guide the President’s decision.
Business Post reported that at the event, the president said, “Tremendous responsibilities follow this appointment, and all of you are expected to contribute your quota to deliver accountable, efficient and effective service to Nigerians.
“Your assignment begins immediately, and you must work to make yourself worthy of God and the people to make Nigerians believe that the right hands are chosen. I believe in you, and government can be a progressive way to gain public confidence and trust,” he said.