Ex-Minister Adebayo Shittu urges caution in ministerial appointments ahead of cabinet reshuffle

A former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has urged President Bola Tinubu to exercise caution when considering recommendations for ministerial appointments, especially in light of a potential cabinet reshuffle.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Shittu emphasized that members of the President’s “kitchen cabinet” may have their own interests and might not prioritize finding the best candidates.

Shittu noted that this is a unique opportunity for Tinubu, as he will be appointing people from diverse backgrounds, many of whom he may not know personally. He cautioned against relying solely on recommendations from established power blocs within the party, which may serve their own agendas.

He also highlighted a systemic issue in Nigeria, suggesting that there should be a formal orientation for newly appointed ministers to align them with the President’s priorities, stating, “When people are appointed, we don’t have a kind of orientation exercise… to school those to be given jobs.” His remarks come amid increasing calls for a cabinet reshuffle due to perceived underperformance among some ministers.