Orji Kalu Urges Tinubu to Sack Ineffective Ministers, Security Chiefs

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has called on President Bola Tinubu to dismiss some ministers and security chiefs, citing their poor performance and lack of tangible contributions to national progress.

Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired Monday, the former Abia State governor said the President must make “bold and courageous” decisions to meet Nigerians’ expectations.

“Some people working with President Tinubu should be relieved of their duties—both in the security architecture and among the ministers,” Kalu said.

He claimed to have privately shared his concerns with the President and conducted his own assessments of several cabinet members.

“I’ve appraised most of these ministers. Many of them should go. That is the truth. President Tinubu needs to summon the courage to act in the interest of the country,” he added.

Kalu also stressed that the country’s security challenges will persist unless new leadership is introduced in key areas of the nation’s security apparatus.

“If he takes my advice, some security chiefs will also be replaced. Sentiments must be set aside if we truly want to move Nigeria forward,” he said.

A Cabinet Under Scrutiny

Since taking office on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu has appointed 45 ministers—the largest cabinet since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. The size and composition of the cabinet drew mixed reactions from political observers and citizens alike.

In October 2024, Tinubu carried out a significant reshuffle, removing five ministers, appointing seven new ones, and reassigning ten others. The shake-up affected strategic ministries such as education, tourism, women’s affairs, youth development, and housing.

Some ministries were also restructured: the Ministry of Niger Delta Development became the Ministry of Regional Development, the Ministry of Sports was dissolved, and the ministries of tourism and arts and culture were merged.

‘Nigerians Still Waiting for Change’

While acknowledging the President’s economic reform efforts—including the removal of fuel subsidies in 2023—Kalu said the benefits have yet to reach the average Nigerian.

“The macroeconomic gains are coming, but the grassroots are still suffering. People haven’t started to feel the impact of the reforms,” he said.

He warned that while reforms are in motion, full benefits could take another year or two to materialize—especially if insecurity continues to disrupt agriculture and economic activities.

“Insurgency is still keeping people away from their farms. Until security improves, economic relief will be delayed. That’s why some of the people around the President must be shown the way out,” Kalu added.