Senator defends Tinubu over cabinet reshuffle

Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Character, Allwell Onyesoh of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rivers East, has defended President Bola Tinubu over his decision to reshuffle the cabinet.

President Tinubu, on Wednesday, announced the reassignment of ten ministers to new ministerial portfolios, discharged six ministers, and nominated seven new ministers for transmission to the Senate for confirmation.

The appointment of four ministers from Ogun State, however, raised concerns, with some arguing that it fell short of the Federal Character criteria.

Onyesoh, in response, countered such opinions, stating that while Federal Character is a constitutional matter, it is not the only criterion for selecting ministers and other high-level public officeholders.

“Yes, Federal Character is an important issue, and I am sure the President would not want to go against the Constitution. However, what the Constitution states is that one person per state, so, once that has been met, I am not sure there should be an issue,” he said.

“The Federal Character isn’t the only requirement; we need competent people. The Constitution also empowers the President to be proactive, which means he is allowed to bring efficient people on board to do their jobs.

“Why are people so critical of this administration? It wasn’t the same for the previous administration.”

The ministers relieved of their positions include Prof. Tahir Mamman (Education), Uju Kennedy Ohanenye (Women Affairs), Mohammed Gwarzo (State for Housing), Jamila Ibrahim (Youth Development), Lola Ade-John (Tourism), and the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, who has been replaced.