By Mercy Aikoye
The House of Representatives has thrown its full weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s bold move to reshuffle his cabinet, describing it as “smart and patriotic.” This dramatic shift saw five ministers relieved of their duties and seven new ones appointed, with ten others redeployed to new portfolios.
President Tinubu’s decision was made on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, and has been hailed as a demonstration of his commitment to performance and accountability.
The ministers who lost their jobs were Uju-Ken Ohanenye (Women Affairs), Lola Ade-John (Tourism), Tahir Mamman (Education), Abdullahi Gwarzo (State, Housing and Urban Development), and Jamila Ibrahim (Youth Development).
The new appointees, who still need to be confirmed by the Senate, are Nentawe Yilwatda, Muhammadu Dingyadi, Bianca Odumegu-Ojukwu, Jumoke Oduwole, Idi Maiha, Yusuf Ata, and Suwaiba Ahmad. These changes are seen as a significant step towards realizing the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesman of the House, President Tinubu has always emphasized performance as a critical component of every elective office. Agbese praised the President’s move, saying it shows he is a “listening President” who understands the state of affairs in the country.
Agbese also highlighted an incident where the former Minister of Women Affairs displayed disrespect towards the legislature, which was deemed unacceptable. This, coupled with Nigerians’ calls for a cabinet reshuffle, made the President’s decision timely and necessary.
The Deputy Spokesman urged Nigerians to be patient with President Tinubu, assuring that the 10th House of Representatives will continue to support the Federal Government’s agenda. He acknowledged the challenges facing the country but emphasized that the National Assembly is working tirelessly to make democracy count for the people.
Agbese stressed that the pain Nigerians are experiencing today is a result of years of negligence by successive administrations. However, he expressed optimism that the current efforts will yield positive results in due time.
The House of Representatives, under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas’s leadership, is committed to making laws that ensure good governance and empower Nigerians. Agbese believes that with time, Nigerians will reap the benefits of the current challenges.
President Tinubu’s cabinet reshuffle has sent a strong message that performance is key to retaining one’s position. The ministers who retained their jobs have been urged to work even harder to make Nigeria a better place for all.
This move is seen as a significant step towards achieving the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The President’s willingness to make tough decisions demonstrates his commitment to the country’s progress.
The National Assembly’s support for President Tinubu’s decision underscores the importance of collaboration in governance. By working together, the legislative and executive arms can drive meaningful change.
As Nigeria navigates its current challenges, the cabinet reshuffle brings renewed hope for a brighter future. With President Tinubu’s leadership and the National Assembly’s support, Nigerians can look forward to better days ahead.
