Overview of Government Officials Dismissed Under President Tinubu's Administration
By Wisdom Tide
August 29, 2024
Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has embarked on a transformative agenda aimed at reshaping Nigeria's governance landscape. In alignment with his vision for a more efficient and accountable government, Tinubu has made several decisive moves, including the removal of key officials who held significant positions during the administration of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. These actions reflect President Tinubu’s commitment to instituting reforms and ensuring that his administration’s policies are effectively implemented without the encumbrances of the past.
Below is a detailed account of the prominent government officials who have been dismissed or replaced since the inception of President Tinubu’s administration:
1. Suspension of Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele
One of the earliest and most notable dismissals came on June 9, 2023, when President Tinubu suspended Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Emefiele, who had served as the CBN Governor since 2014, was a key figure in the Buhari administration, particularly during the economic challenges that the country faced. His suspension was seen as part of Tinubu’s broader strategy to overhaul the country’s financial institutions and to restore confidence in the central bank’s operations.
2. Suspension of EFCC Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa
Another significant action was taken on July 14, 2023, when Abdulrasheed Bawa, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was suspended. Bawa had been instrumental in the Buhari administration’s anti-corruption efforts. However, his tenure was marred by controversies, and his removal was perceived as a move by Tinubu to reassert control over the anti-corruption agency and refocus its mandate.
3. Sack of Service Chiefs
On June 19, 2023, President Tinubu made a sweeping decision to sack all the service chiefs who were appointed during the Buhari administration. This move included the heads of the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, and was widely interpreted as a step towards re-strategizing the country’s security architecture. By appointing new service chiefs, Tinubu aimed to address ongoing security challenges more effectively and align the military’s leadership with his administration’s priorities.
4. Replacement of National Security Adviser
In tandem with the dismissal of the service chiefs, President Tinubu also replaced the National Security Adviser, Maj-Gen Babagana Monguno (rtd), with Nuhu Ribadu on the same day. This change underscored the president’s determination to install a new security leadership that could bring fresh perspectives to addressing Nigeria’s complex security issues.
5. Dismissal of NASENI Chief Executive Bashir Gwandu
The leadership of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) also saw a change under Tinubu’s administration. Bashir Gwandu, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, was relieved of his duties as part of the broader restructuring efforts within key government agencies.
6. Dissolution of NDDC Board and Management
In August 2023, President Tinubu disbanded the board and management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), led by Lauretta Onochie. The NDDC, which has long been criticized for inefficiency and mismanagement, was a focal point for Tinubu’s reform agenda in the Niger Delta region. The dissolution of its leadership was intended to pave the way for a more accountable and transparent management of the commission.
7. Pre-Retirement Leave for NIMC Director-General Aliyu Aziz
Another strategic move by President Tinubu was directing Engr. Aliyu Abubakar Aziz, the Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), to commence a 90-day pre-retirement leave in 2023. This decision was part of a broader effort to rejuvenate the leadership of critical government institutions as the country continues to enhance its identity management systems.
8. Sack of NDDC Nominees and New Appointments
On September 1, 2023, President Tinubu made further adjustments within the Niger Delta Development Commission by sacking the NDDC nominees from Ondo and Cross River states. These dismissals were followed by the appointment of new representatives, reflecting the president’s commitment to ensuring that the NDDC’s leadership aligns with his vision for the region’s development.
9. Dismissal of FIRS Boss Muhammad Nami
In another significant shake-up, President Tinubu sacked Muhammad Nami, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), on September 14, 2023. Nami’s removal was accompanied by the appointment of Zacchaeus Adedeji, Tinubu’s special adviser on revenue, as the acting chairman of the tax commission. This change was part of Tinubu’s broader strategy to improve revenue generation and enhance the efficiency of the tax system.
10. Restructuring of Trade and Investment Agencies
October 2023 saw the removal of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment. Among the affected agencies was the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), which plays a crucial role in regulating the country’s business environment. These changes were aimed at promoting a more dynamic and investor-friendly regulatory framework.
11. Reform in Aviation and Aerospace Development
On December 13, 2023, President Tinubu approved the suspension, removal, and replacement of the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) under the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. This move was indicative of Tinubu’s broader vision to modernize Nigeria’s aviation sector and ensure that it meets international standards.
12. Sack of FCCPC Executive Babatunde Irukera
Continuing his reform agenda into the new year, President Tinubu on January 8, 2024, approved the immediate dismissal of Babatunde Irukera, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). Irukera’s removal signaled a shift in the leadership of the agency responsible for protecting consumer rights and promoting competition in the market.
13. Dismissal of BPE Director-General Alexander Okoh
President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Alexander Ayoola Okoh as the Director-General/CEO of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). This change, announced in early 2024, was part of Tinubu’s broader efforts to revitalize the agency responsible for the privatization of government-owned enterprises.
14. Resignation of BPP Director-General Mamman Ahmadu
On June 15, 2024, President Tinubu directed the resignation of Mr. Mamman Ahmadu, the Director-General/CEO of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). This directive was in line with the administration’s goal of ensuring that public procurement processes are conducted with the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
15. Sack of HYPREP Coordinator Adekanmbi
On July 15, 2024, President Tinubu dismissed Adekanmbi from his role as the Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and reinstated Professor Zabbey as his replacement. This move was part of the president’s strategy to strengthen the management of environmental remediation projects in the Niger Delta.
16. Appointment of New Heads for NIA and DSS
In a major security-related decision, President Tinubu on August 26, 2024, approved the appointment of new Directors-General for the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS). These appointments were seen as crucial to enhancing the country’s intelligence-gathering and national security capabilities.
17. Dismissal of NAHCON Chairman Jalal Arabi
On August 19, 2024, President Tinubu dismissed Jalal Arabi from his position as Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman was subsequently appointed as the new Executive Chairman. This change was part of the president’s broader strategy to improve the administration of the Hajj pilgrimage for Nigerian Muslims.
Conclusion
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has been marked by significant changes in the leadership of key government agencies and institutions. These dismissals and replacements reflect the president’s commitment to restructuring the government and ensuring that his administration's policies are implemented effectively. As Tinubu continues to reshape the country’s governance framework, the impact of these decisions on Nigeria's political and economic landscape will undoubtedly be a subject of keen observation and analysis in the months and years to come
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