Shehu Sani, a former senator from Kaduna Central District who served in the 8th National Assembly, has called on President Bola Tinubu to avoid making the same mistakes as his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, particularly in regards to his cabinet reshuffle..
Following Buhari’s swearing-in on May 29, 2023, Tinubu assumed official leadership. However, activist Sani claimed that nepotism and ineptitude plagued the former military head of state’s eight-year reign, particularly in governance, security and economic policy.
The federal politician made the call while appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Sunday.
He said: “I will advise President Tinubu to be careful not to make the mistakes of President Buhari, and I believe he is experienced enough to understand that. Under President Buhari, there are ministers who were appointed to their posts for eight years.
“They were with him during the first and second term, and there was no cabinet reshuffle or dismissal. Even if there was a dismissal, it takes three to four months to replace a minister. That was how the country was run. Under Buhari, we have seen nepotism at its peak, when people were appointed to a position and left to do nothing.”
Sani said: “Service chiefs were retained in their posts despite their failures, and by retaining them, the careers of those behind them were destroyed. For many years, many officers were removed to appoint a single person. If this country has to move forward, we must address the issue of competence as the qualification for appointment.”
The president’s cabinet has recently faced harsh criticism for failing to live up to expectations despite the country’s current economic crisis. Recall that since Betta Edu was suspended on January 8, 2024, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has been functioning without a minister.
