When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office, he was immediately confronted with pressing issues that compelled him to take swift action. However, one challenge that revealed his acknowledged knack for astute decision-making was the process of assembling his cabinet.
Throughout his eight-year tenure as the governor of Lagos and even during his 16 years outside public office, Tinubu’s talent for identifying capable individuals and placing them in key roles was well-regarded….CONTINUE READING
This reputation formed a substantial part of his campaign narrative in the previous election. Therefore, it’s understandable that disappointment arose in certain circles when he not only delayed for 60 days, nearly exhausting the legally allowed time, but also unveiled his cabinet lists in two separate installments.
These lists faced significant criticism for appearing to cater to the “old guard.”
Although the cabinet includes a few skilled professionals and experienced individuals, the presence of nine former governors, some of whom have previously lost elections or held ministerial positions, raises concerns that Tinubu’s inherent talent for talent-spotting might have been influenced by vested interests at the national level.
Has the unpredictable landscape of Abuja, notorious for derailing good intentions, taken its toll? Is Tinubu’s decision-making influenced by pressure? Or could there be inner-circle dynamics exploiting the chaos for power grabs?
The reality, however, is more nuanced. This scenario has been witnessed before, more than two decades ago. Back then, Tinubu was not at the helm of the nation; he was serving as Lagos’ governor—a challenging role in itself, but certainly less complex than governing the vast and intricate Federal Republic of Nigeria.
A parallel can be drawn with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was also confronted with similar dilemmas during his initial term.
It is often overlooked, but the composition of Obasanjo’s first-term cabinet, much like Shehu Shagari’s in 1979, sheds light on the kind of decisions a new president can face. This is particularly true for leaders emerging from a delicate and tumultuous political transition.
