Segun Showunmi, a former spokesperson for Atiku’s presidential campaign, has offered a bold critique of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership style, asserting that Tinubu does not empower his appointees to effectively perform their duties.
Contrary to widespread belief in some quarters, Showunmi dismissed the notion of a cabal operating within Tinubu’s administration.
In contrast, Solomon Dalung, a former Minister of Youth and Sports, recently painted a different picture, claiming the presence of a “dangerous cabal” within Tinubu’s government.
Dalung alleged that this cabal wields significant influence over key decisions, driven solely by selfish interests.
However, during an interview with TVC, Showunmi argued that Tinubu himself embodies the concept of a cabal, centralizing power to such an extent that even his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, struggles to function effectively.
According to him, “The problem with Tinubu’s presidency is not much of a cabal. The problem I see is that somehow, he has designed an infrastructure of his government that does not allow the men he has put in place to do the job they’re assigned to do.”
Expounding on this, he added: “For example, if he should just allow Femi Gbajabiamila, his Chief of Staff, to do the job of a Chief of Staff effectively… they say there’s a cabal. Who’s a cabal under Tinubu? Bola Tinubu is his own cabal… nobody can take responsibility.
Nobody can be blamed. All other leaders should allow their Chief of Staff to be strong. Conveniently so… He (Tinubu) has watered him (Gbajabiamila) so down, almost making it seem as if he [Tinubu] is alpha male, that he knows everything. Unfortunately, the presidency is like a golden cage.”
Showunmi concluded with a stark warning: “You’ll be sitting down, and your boys who you don’t give power to won’t be able to effect anything. The cloud is gathering. Within Yoruba people, I tell you, the cloud is gathering. You better fix your men before it gets too late.”