Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who represents Abia North, has called on President Bola Tinubu to dismiss several ministers and security chiefs over what he described as poor performance and lack of contribution to national development.
Speaking as a guest on Politics Today, a programme aired on Channels Television on Monday, Kalu said he had evaluated the performance of members of the federal cabinet and found many wanting.
“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,” Kalu stated.
The former Governor of Abia State urged the President to make bold decisions to realign his administration with public expectations.
“President Tinubu must be courageous enough to sack some of these ministers. I’ve assessed most of them and spoken with him privately — most of them should go. That’s the truth,” he added.
Kalu also stressed the need for changes in the leadership of Nigeria’s security architecture if the country is to effectively address its challenges.
“If he listens to my advice, some of the security chiefs must go too. There should be no sentiment in rescuing Nigeria. If we truly want to make progress, we must make difficult choices,” he said.
Cabinet Size and Past Reshuffles
President Tinubu, upon assuming office on 29 May 2023, appointed 45 ministers — the largest cabinet since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999. The size and scope of these appointments drew mixed reactions from the public and political commentators.
In October 2024, the President reshuffled the cabinet significantly. Five ministers were removed, seven were newly appointed, and ten others were reassigned to different portfolios. Key ministries affected included education, tourism, youth development, women’s affairs, and housing.
Additionally, the Ministry of Niger Delta Development was renamed the Ministry of Regional Development, while the Ministry of Sports was dissolved. The ministries of tourism and arts and culture were also merged.
‘Nigerians Still Suffering,’ Kalu Warns
Senator Kalu acknowledged President Tinubu’s reform efforts, including the removal of the fuel subsidy in 2023, but emphasised that many Nigerians were yet to experience the benefits.
“The macroeconomic changes are beginning to show, but the impact has not reached ordinary Nigerians. Those in the lower bracket are still suffering,” he said.
He explained that while reforms are in motion, the effects would take time to reach grassroots levels, particularly as insecurity continues to disrupt agricultural activity.
“These changes will take another one to two years to fully materialise. But insecurity and unrest in different regions prevent farmers from returning to their fields,” he said.
Kalu reiterated that for the country to move forward, underperforming individuals in government must be removed, regardless of their affiliations.