Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has explained why Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle was not removed during the recent cabinet reshuffle. In an interview with a national TV station, Onanuga disclosed that allegations against Matawalle were investigated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and found to be unsubstantiated.
According to Onanuga, the NSA’s investigation determined that the accusations were “mere fabrications.” He noted, “As far as I know, most of those things are just mere allegations…The NSA said: ‘No. We have probed a lot of those things; they are not true.’” He further emphasized that the President’s decision to retain Matawalle in the cabinet reflected confidence in the NSA’s findings.
Onanuga also provided insight into the reshuffle, noting that public opinion significantly influenced the President’s decisions. According to him, Special Adviser Hadiza Bala Usman introduced a system where Nigerians could rate the ministers’ performance, helping guide the President’s actions. This evaluation, Onanuga stated, was driven by empirical data and public perception, ensuring the reshuffle was based on the feedback received from citizens.
Addressing the broader goals behind the reshuffle, Onanuga said the President was also responding to public concerns about government performance. He revealed that in a recent cabinet meeting, Tinubu urged ministers to communicate their accomplishments to counter public perceptions of government inefficacy.
Onanuga hinted at upcoming measures by President Tinubu to cut government expenses, particularly in ministerial operations. “The President will soon announce measures to reduce government expenditure…the cuts will be significant,” he noted, reflecting Tinubu’s commitment to minimizing the cost of governance.
He concluded by underscoring the administration’s focus on addressing Nigeria’s challenges with skilled and dedicated personnel, rather than on expanding the size of government.