By Our Correspondent
President Bola Tinubu is reportedly gearing up for a significant cabinet reshuffle, with key figures such as Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu, and Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani, among others, potentially facing dismissal.
Source confirms that the Presidency has hinted at the removal of up to 11 ministers.
The information was disclosed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, during a media briefing at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
However, no specific timeline has been given for the reshuffle. O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital and New Media, suggested that an announcement could be made soon, though details remain uncertain.
Insiders revealed that the reshuffle had been postponed following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting earlier in the week. Despite this, a comprehensive review of ministerial performance is underway, with mounting pressure from various stakeholders for a more effective cabinet. Onanuga acknowledged this, stating, “It’s true President Bola Tinubu has plans to reshuffle his cabinet, but I can’t say specifically whether that will be done before the Independence celebration on October 1.”
Among those rumored for replacement is Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila. Former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has been identified as a possible successor. If Fashola declines, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the President’s Principal Secretary, may take on the role.
Other potential changes include appointing Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, as a junior minister under Finance Minister Wale Edun. Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, may see her ministry dissolved due to alleged malfeasance, and other ministers like Bosun Tijani and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo are reportedly in jeopardy.
The reshuffle follows Tinubu's first year in office, as calls for better governance and economic management grow louder amidst mounting national challenges.
The imminent cabinet changes are expected to be part of the President’s efforts to align his team with his "Renewed Hope" agenda.
