President-Tinubu-Set-to-Hold-Valedictory-Meeting-with-Ministers-Amid-Speculation-of-Cabinet-Reshuffle

President Tinubu Set to Hold Valedictory Meeting with Ministers Amid Speculation of Cabinet Reshuffle

By Wisdom Tide 

October 23, 2024

Speculation surrounding an impending cabinet reshuffle has intensified following President Bola Tinubu’s recent closed-door meetings at the Presidential Villa. The anticipation for change is mounting as Tinubu appears poised to make significant adjustments to his ministerial team, with some ministers potentially bidding farewell at this week's Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

Closed-Door Meetings Fuel Speculation

In a move that has heightened expectations of a reshuffle, President Tinubu met with Hadiza Bala-Usman, his Special Adviser on Policy Coordination and Head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit, to finalize the assessment of the current ministers’ performance. Sources close to the presidency suggest that this is part of the President’s ongoing evaluation of his cabinet, which he alluded to prior to his recent two-week vacation.

The reshuffle was initially expected to coincide with the Independence Day broadcast on October 1 but was postponed when President Tinubu embarked on a working leave abroad. Now, with his return, anxiety within the cabinet has reportedly risen, as ministers await news of their fate.

Performance Review Leads to Cabinet Changes

A detailed assessment of ministerial performances, supervised by Bala-Usman, was compiled prior to the President’s trip to the United Kingdom. The report evaluates each minister's effectiveness and alignment with the administration’s goals. This thorough review has been instrumental in determining which ministers will remain in office and which may be asked to step down.

The review process is being closely watched, as it is seen as a significant step toward achieving the administration's broader policy objectives. Ministers whose performance falls short of the expectations set by the Tinubu administration may face dismissal, while others could be reassigned or retained.

High-Level Meetings at Aso Rock

Adding to the air of uncertainty was the recent presence of high-ranking officials at the Presidential Villa, including Zacchaeus Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, and the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi. Their participation in prolonged discussions with the President on Monday further fueled speculation about imminent changes within the cabinet.

Valedictory Meeting Expected During FEC

According to sources within the presidency, President Tinubu is expected to hold a valedictory meeting during the FEC gathering on Wednesday, where some ministers may be formally released from their duties. “It is expected that before the end of the week, the President will announce a cabinet reshuffle,” a presidential source revealed. The same source indicated that Wednesday’s meeting could serve as a final farewell for some ministers, though there is still a possibility that the President may delay the formal announcement.

Conclusion

As the country watches closely, the outcome of the FEC meeting and the subsequent cabinet reshuffle will be pivotal in shaping the next phase of Tinubu’s administration. The decisions made in the coming days are expected to reinforce the President's commitment to effective governance, with the reshuffle aimed at improving performance and aligning the cabinet more closely with his vision for Nigeria.