Reliable information gathered has it that, there’s an atmosphere of uncertainty and cabinet reshuffle fever among the Ministers in the Federal executive council sequel to the unsatisfactorily performance of some ministers by the Presidency. Thus, in a bid to reward more party loyalists and introduce results driven ideas into government, President Muhammadu Buhari will soon expand the Federal Executive Council.
The move may see the splitting of some mega ministries but it is unclear if the exercise will involve a wholesale reshuffle of his cabinet.
In a speech he present at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) recently in Abuja which was not read with only the copies distributed to journalists, President Muhammadu Buhari said his administration had achieved a lot to be proud of in the last two years.
The achievements, according to him, are in the areas of security, corruption, electricity generation, agriculture and fertiliser among others.
He said under the APC-led Federal Government, Nigeria’s image had improved as it was now credit worthy, which could be attested to by the over-subscription of the Euro-Bond by 400 percent.
He, however, acknowledged that the country is still faced with some challenges. “Nevertheless, we are not resting on our achievements. I am quite aware of the challenges before us.
His words: “Last year, I said we would re-constitute the Boards of Parastatals. I must regret the fact that we have not done so for many reasons.
Some of us in this meeting may know I had given instructions since October 2015, for this exercise to start, but there has been inordinate delays.”
He attributed the delays to the committees set up to ensure that nomination of persons to occupy the boards was equitably done.
The President noted that APC supporters and Nigerians generally were eager to hear the announcement of board appointments which he said would be done soon.
“By the grace of God, these appointments will be announced soon, especially, now that the economy is improving, we will have the resources to cater for the appointees,’’ he said.
He commended leaders and members of the party for helping to keep the government running smoothly during his medical trip abroad as well as Nigerians for their prayers and good wishes as well as Almighty Allah for restoring his health.
He asserted, “I would like to start by commending our party leadership chaired by His Excellency, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. The chairman and I worked harmoniously during 1984/1985 in a previous government. Happily, circumstances have brought us again to positions of leadership in the country.”
Reacting, some challenges facing the party, Buhari said “sometimes, it is easier to manage failure than to manage success and a big success such as that we have achieved.”
However, he commended the leadership of the National Assembly led by Senate President Bukola Saraki and the Speaker Yakubu Dogara.
The President also applauded the cooperation and understanding of the National Assembly including some non-APC members who rose above petty party interests and acted in the nation’s interest.
He also thanked states governors who, according to him, faced stiff challenges in their determination to maintain unity and tolerance in the country, especially in the face of unnecessary politically motivated strife and violence.
He Concluded, “I hope we can continue to depend on you, If we keep united and rise above petty or personal quarrels, we will surely achieve the desired change in the country.”
