‘It’s a continuous process’ — Buhari speaks on cabinet reshuffle

President Muhammadu Buhari says the need for new energy motivated the reshuffling of his cabinet.

The president announced the sacking of two cabinet members on Wednesday.

Saleh Mamman, the minister of power; and Sabo Nanono, the minister of agriculture and rural development, were sacked by the president.

A statement released by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, quoted Buhari as saying the changes in his cabinet will be “a continuous process”.

“Two years and some months into the second term, the tradition of subjecting our projects and programs implementation to independent and critical self-review has taken firm roots through sector Reporting during Cabinet meetings and at Retreats,” the statement reads.

“These significant review steps have helped to identify and strengthen weak areas, close gaps, build cohesion and synergy in governance, manage the economy and improve the delivery of public good to Nigerians.

“I must commend this cabinet for demonstrating unparalleled resilience that helped the government to navigate the disruption to global systems and governance occasioned by the emergence of COVID-19 shortly after inauguration. The weekly Federal Executive Council meetings was not spared because the traditional mode was altered.

“As we are all aware, change is the only factor that is constant in every human endeavor and as this administration approaches its critical phase in the second term, I have found it essential to reinvigorate this cabinet in a manner that will deepen its capacity to consolidate legacy achievements.”

The president said “substantive nominations will be made to fill the consequential vacancies” in due time.

He added that he has met with the sacked ministers “to thank them for their contributions to discussions in cabinet and the invaluable services rendered to the nation”.

Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, the minister of environment, is expected to assume office as the minister of agriculture and rural development. Abubakar Aliyu, the minister of state for works and housing, will take over as the minister of power.