The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga has addressed the absence of Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle in the recent cabinet reshuffle, despite allegations linking him to bandit groups.
Onanuga clarified that allegations against Matawalle, former governor of Zamfara State, were thoroughly investigated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), which found them to be unfounded, allowing Matawalle to retain his position.
In an interview on Arise TV, Onanuga explained, “As far as I know, these are mostly baseless allegations. I even sent one to the NSA, asking if they had any knowledge of it. The NSA responded that they had investigated many such claims and found them untrue.”
He added, “People keep circulating various fake allegations. That’s why Matawalle remains in the cabinet. The president, I’m sure, is aware of many stories about him, but his continued role shows these claims were investigated and proven false.”
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Onanuga also highlighted the reshuffle’s rationale, noting that public perception played a critical role.
He credited Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, for introducing a system where Nigerians could evaluate ministerial performance.
Onanuga explained, “This was not done arbitrarily. Hadiza Bala Usman introduced technology allowing Nigerians to rate the ministers. The ministers’ removal was based on concrete data shaped by public perception. The scorecards were filled out by citizens, and the President acted on those results.”
He further noted that the reshuffle wasn’t only about meeting the President’s standards but also addressing public concerns. “A few weeks ago, in a cabinet meeting, the President urged ministers to share their accomplishments with Nigerians, as he felt there was a public perception of underperformance,” Onanuga said.
He hinted at upcoming measures to cut government costs, beginning with ministerial expenses. “The President will soon introduce steps to reduce government spending. While I can’t share specifics yet, the cuts will be significant to demonstrate our commitment to cost reduction,” he added.
Onanuga concluded by saying, “The government understands what’s needed to address the country’s challenges. It’s not about the size of the government but about having the right, skilled people to advance the agenda.”
