Manny Ita
President Tinubu’s ministers are feeling the heat as a 140-strong team of officials gears up to assess their performance. This unprecedented move, announced during a technical retreat for ministry representatives, signifies a no-nonsense approach to governance and potentially paves the way for ministerial shake-ups.
The story takes us on a rollercoaster ride through diverse perspectives on the assessment:
- The Watchdogs: Led by the Central Delivery Coordination Unit, these 140 officials, drawn from across ministries, will meticulously track progress against presidential priorities and ministerial deliverables. Key performance indicators and reporting mechanisms are being fine-tuned, leaving no room for ambiguity.
- The Pressure Cooker: Special Adviser Hadiza Bala-Usman warns of ministerial sackings for underperformance, echoing President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to delivering on his promises. This announcement sends shivers down the spines of underperforming ministers, while raising hopes for citizens yearning for tangible improvements.
- Skepticism Simmers: Critics like Chief Yomi Alliyu (SAN) cast doubt on the objectivity of the assessment, arguing that ministers, as policymakers, often lack direct control over implementation. He highlights the risk of rewarding ministers with good media hype while overlooking actual performance and potential corruption.
- Shifting the Spotlight: Others, like Mr Ebun Adegboruwa (SAN), believe the focus should be on assessing President Tinubu himself. They argue that ministerial accountability ultimately rests on the shoulders of the President, who holds responsibility for insecurity, inflation, and economic woes.
- Civil Society Clamors for Action: Organizations like the Civil Society Organisations in Rivers State urge Tinubu to wield the “axe of suspension” against underperforming or corrupt ministers. They draw an analogy to an employer holding employees accountable, emphasizing the need for disciplinary measures to ensure effective governance and social welfare.
This story goes beyond reporting a bureaucratic process. It delves into the political climate, raising questions about transparency, accountability, and the true measure of ministerial success. The looming assessment adds a layer of tension to the political landscape, leaving one question hanging in the air: Will heads roll in Tinubu’s cabinet?
