DANIEL Bwala, former spokesman to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate during the 2023 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu plans to introduce a new cabinet in the coming weeks.
Bwala, a lawyer and public affairs analyst who shortly after the President was sworn in began a political romance with him, made this statement in response to comments from the Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Ali Ndume.
In a recent interview with BBC Hausa, Ndume criticised the federal government’s handling of security challenges and other issues, noting that some ministers struggle to meet with President Tinubu to discuss these matters.
Ndume remarked, “The major problem with this government is that its doors are closed. Even some ministers cannot see the President, let alone members of the National Assembly, who lack the opportunity to discuss issues affecting their constituencies.”
Later, at the National Assembly, Ndume suggested that President Tinubu has become disconnected from reality, claiming that certain forces have isolated him at Aso Rock.
Responding to Ndume’s criticisms, Bwala penned an article titled, “Ali Ndume, the Rant of an Expert in Grandstanding,” where he argued that Ndume is not in a position to criticize Tinubu.
Bwala questioned Ndume’s achievements during his long tenure representing his constituents.
“Senator Ali Ndume has repeatedly demonstrated a lack of leadership quality,” Bwala wrote. “He has been a beneficiary of a system that promotes Stockholm syndrome. How can someone with such limited political value continue to represent people for 21 years, yet be embroiled in endless controversies with little to show for it in his senatorial district?”
Bwala also referenced John Schnatter’s principle of building capable people to build a successful organisation, questioning how many people Ndume has mentored in his long political career.
“Senator Ndume has disregarded decorum with his relentless attempts to undermine and criticise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Bwala added. “He seems to blame Tinubu for Nigeria’s current situation, forgetting that many of the country’s issues stem from former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year administration.”
Bwala noted that an assessment of the current cabinet ministers has been conducted, and President Tinubu is expected to announce a cabinet reshuffle soon.
“Senator Ndume frequently criticises President Tinubu’s administration over his cabinet choices,” Bwala said. “He forgets that many of these cabinet members were recommended by people like him, governors, and party leaders from across the Federation. The President has made it clear that he will not maintain a static cabinet like his predecessor. Recently, an evaluation of the current ministers was completed, and a cabinet reshuffle is imminent.”
In May, President Tinubu pledged to remove any cabinet member who fails to meet the expectations of Nigerians. Speaking at a meeting with the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu expressed his commitment to serving the country effectively.
“I appreciate the efforts of the cabinet members,” Tinubu stated, “but I will not hesitate to relieve any of them of their duties if they fall short of the expectations of Nigerians.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media