President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday waved the big stick, sacking five key ministers from his cabinet and marking the first significant shakeup since his administration began.
The affected ministers, from a variety of sectors, were removed in a bid to re-strategize and improve the overall performance of the administration.
This decision was announced in a statement released by Dada Olusegun, Special Adviser to the President on Social Media. According to the statement, the ministers relieved of their duties include Barr. Uju-Ken Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs; Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism; Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education; Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development; and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development.
The news of the sackings has sparked widespread reactions across the country, with political analysts suggesting that the move is part of President Tinubu’s broader strategy to strengthen his administration as it faces significant economic and social challenges.
Ministers Affected
One of the most notable figures affected by the reshuffle is Barr. Uju-Ken Ohanenye, who served as the Minister of Women Affairs. Ohanenye’s tenure was marked by efforts to address gender-based violence and improve the rights and status of women across Nigeria. However, insiders suggest that her removal may have been influenced by internal disagreements and the need for a more dynamic approach to issues related to gender equality.
Lola Ade-John, the now-former Minister of Tourism, was also shown the exit door. Her time in office focused on revamping Nigeria’s tourism sector and promoting the country as a top destination for international visitors. Despite her efforts, the tourism sector continues to face challenges, particularly in terms of security and infrastructure development, which may have contributed to her removal.
In the education sector, the dismissal of Prof. Tahir Mamman came as a surprise to many. A seasoned academic and legal expert, Mamman had been focused on educational reforms, particularly on improving access to quality education for millions of Nigerians. However, the sector remains one of the most critical areas of concern, with many students and educators pushing for more substantial improvements in school infrastructure and curriculum development.
Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, who served as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, the Minister of Youth Development, were also relieved of their duties. Both ministers were relatively new to their positions, having only recently taken up their portfolios. The removal of Ibrahim, in particular, raised eyebrows, as she had been tasked with addressing the pressing concerns of Nigeria’s youth population, including unemployment and youth empowerment.
Reasons for Reshuffle
Though the specific reasons for the dismissals were not made public, sources within the presidency suggest that the move is part of Tinubu’s efforts to re-align his cabinet and ensure a more efficient delivery of services in critical sectors. The administration is currently facing mounting pressure to address the country’s economic woes, including inflation, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.
Additionally, some political analysts have linked the cabinet shakeup to internal assessments of ministerial performance and the President’s desire to bring in fresh perspectives that can better tackle the nation’s challenges.
Next Steps
While the removal of the ministers has left several key positions vacant, it is expected that President Tinubu will announce new appointees in the coming days. The new ministers are expected to bring in renewed energy and expertise to help address the pressing needs of the administration, particularly in education, housing, and youth development.
This cabinet reshuffle comes at a critical time for the Tinubu administration, as the government works to navigate Nigeria through economic uncertainties and ensure the fulfillment of its campaign promises.
