**APC Dismisses Opposition Criticisms Over Cabinet Reshuffle, Links It to Lobbying Failures**
In a bold move, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s recent cabinet reshuffle, attributing the backlash to failed lobbyists who were overlooked for appointments. According to Bala Ibrahim, the APC’s National Publicity Director, the president’s focus was on increasing efficiency, not appeasing political factions.
The cabinet reshuffle, which saw the removal of five ministers, the addition of seven new ones, and adjustments to the designations of 10 others, was met with opposition from parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Labour Party, and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). These parties, however, have been criticized for their own disapproval, with some arguing that the changes fail to address critical issues facing Nigerians or reduce governance costs.
In a recent interview, Ibrahim praised the president’s decision to restructure his cabinet, stating that the goal was to eliminate redundancies and curb governance costs. He pointed out that Tinubu has always stressed the importance of clear performance metrics for ministers, ensuring a streamlined and efficient administration.
Ibrahim attributed the opposition’s criticism to the frustration of those who had lobbied for cabinet positions but were unsuccessful. “They are being economical with the truth. Their pessimism is simply because they have been lobbying and the president didn’t accept their invitation,” he said.
They were expecting that more of them would join the cabinet just like the man in the Federal Capital Territory. Unfortunately, they don’t share in the aspirations of the party and the President, hence the reason they have not been invited to join the government.”
Ibrahim emphasized that the reshuffle is a standard administrative practice, citing the example of the PDP, which was known for arbitrary and frequent changes during its administration. He praised Tinubu for trying to put a round peg in a round hole, saying that the president’s move was a step in the right direction.
Clad in boldness.
