Two Northern groups, the Arewa Think Tank (ATT) and the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), have expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s recent cabinet decisions, with each highlighting areas where further adjustments could aid the country’s socio-economic and security challenges.
The ATT, led by its Convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, commended the President’s reshuffling and removal of underperforming ministers, stating that Nigerians had long demanded a major shake-up to address the nation’s economic stagnation, insecurity, and infrastructure decay.
In a statement by Yakubu, he described the reshuffle as “a necessary step” to revitalise the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We support this cabinet reshuffle and believe this is only the beginning, with more ministers expected to face removal due to underperformance,” Yakubu said.
He further countered claims that Tinubu’s cabinet was overstaffed, noting that the administration needed additional capable hands.
According to him, “The President has shown that ministers who do not pull their weight will face consequences.”
Similarly, the AYCF praised President Tinubu’s decision to retain the Minister of Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, describing the move as “a step toward addressing security concerns in the North and across Nigeria.”
In a statement by its President General, Yerima Shettima, the group lauded the decision for promoting stability and continuity in the defence sector, particularly for the region.
“By retaining Matawalle, President Tinubu has demonstrated his commitment to continuity and stability in tackling security issues,” Shettima said.
He emphasised that the minister’s experience, especially in Zamfara state, was critical in combating insurgency and other threats and urged the Zamfara state governor, Dauda Lawal, to align with the government’s security strategies rather than engage in conflicts with Matawalle.