Presidency clears air on ongoing media reports

In a swift response to circulating media reports, the Presidency has refuted claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is considering a cabinet reshuffle.

The clarification was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, during an interview on TVC’s program, Politics on Sunday.

Speculation had been rife about a potential cabinet reshuffle in the aftermath of the ongoing scandal involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, coupled with the suspension of programs by the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA).

Addressing the rumors, Ngelale emphasized that any contemplation of a cabinet reshuffle would be contingent upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations into the alleged fraud within the Ministry. He asserted that the Tinubu-led administration remains committed to holding individuals accountable if found guilty.

“At this point, it is in the realm of speculation. What is not in the realm of speculation, however, is that the President has ordered a thorough investigation. And wherever that investigation takes him, he will act accordingly,” Ngelale stated.

He further explained that the President would refrain from making any such decisions until a clear understanding emerges from the investigations. Ngelale affirmed the President’s determination to take appropriate action based on the findings, indicating that culpable individuals would not be spared.

The presidential spokesman highlighted the President’s awareness of the activities within his administration, stating,

“He does have a special adviser on policy and coordination in the person of Hadiza Bala Usman, who is also monitoring the activities of the MDAs with respect to performance-related issues, and he has all of that information at any point in time.”