By Emmanuel Nduka
Sequel to Wednesday’s announcement of a major cabinet reshuffle, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has explained why he sacked Ministers Agriculture, Mohammed Nanono and that of Power, Saleh Mamman.
Buhari’s explanation which came hours after the news broke out, was conveyed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina on Wednesday in Abuja after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
Buhari said the dismissal of the ministers was borne out of the need “to reinvigorate” his “cabinet in a manner that will deepen its capacity to consolidate legacy achievements”.
“On Wednesday 21st August, 2019 the current Federal Executive Council was sworn-in after a rigorous retreat to bring returning and new members up to speed on the accomplishments, challenges and lessons drawn from my first term in Office and to emphasise the 9 priority areas of government for the second term.
“Two years and some months into the second term, the tradition of subjecting our projects and programs implementation to independent and critical self-review has taken firm roots through sector Reporting during Cabinet meetings and at Retreats.
“These significant review steps have helped to identify and strengthen weak areas, close gaps, build cohesion and synergy in governance, manage the economy and improve the delivery of public good to Nigerians.
“As we are all aware, change is the only factor that is constant in every human endeavour and as this administration approaches its critical phase in the second term, I have found it essential to reinvigorate this cabinet in a manner that will deepen its capacity to consolidate legacy achievements. Accordingly, a few cabinet changes, marking the beginning of a continuous process, have been approved,” Buhari said.
Heritage Times had reported that with the president’s directive, Minister of State for Works, Engr Abubakar D. Aliyu, is to take over as Minister of Power, while Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abubakar, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Agriculture.
