Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has called on President Bola Tinubu to remove several ministers and security chiefs from office, citing inefficiency and a failure to meet the expectations of Nigerians.
Kalu, who represents Abia North in the Senate, made the remarks on Monday while assessing the performance of the administration’s current cabinet.
“Some people working with President Tinubu should be relieved of their duties. Some of them should go — both from the security sector and among the ministers,” the former Abia State governor said.
He urged the President to take decisive action, describing it as necessary to realign the administration with national priorities.
“President Tinubu must be courageous enough to sack some of these ministers. If he takes my advice — most of these ministers, I’ve appraised them and talked to him privately — most of them should go, and that is the truth,” he stated.
Kalu also emphasized the need for changes within the nation’s security architecture.
“If he takes my advice, some of the security chiefs will also go. There is no sentiment about redeeming Nigeria if we really want to relieve Nigeria,” he said.
Cabinet Composition and Past Reshuffles
Upon assuming office on 29 May 2023, President Tinubu appointed 45 ministers — the largest cabinet since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. The size and composition of the cabinet prompted mixed reactions across the country.
In October 2024, the President initiated a significant cabinet reshuffle that led to the dismissal of five ministers, appointment of seven new ones, and reassignment of ten others. The shake-up affected several critical ministries, including education, youth development, women’s affairs, and housing.
The reshuffle also saw structural changes: the Ministry of Niger Delta Development was renamed the Ministry of Regional Development, the Ministry of Sports was dissolved, and the ministries of tourism and arts and culture were merged.
Economic Challenges and Reform Impact
Senator Kalu acknowledged the administration’s reform agenda, particularly following the removal of the fuel subsidy in 2023. However, he noted that the benefits of these reforms have yet to reach many Nigerians, particularly those at the grassroots level.
“The macro side is coming, but the other downsides are not coming very well. Nigerians in the lower area are still suffering. They have not started having the benefit of the changes President Tinubu is making,” he said.
According to Kalu, the impact of the reforms is being slowed by widespread insecurity, which continues to disrupt agricultural and economic activities.
“The changes are trickling down — it’s going to take another one to two years for the changes to come. And what is causing it is because insurgencies and the problems all over Nigeria are still making people not go to the farm. Some people working with Tinubu should be relieved of their duties,” he added.
