I’m prepared to fire underperforming ministers – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has vowed that any minister who fails to meet Nigerians’ expectations will be dismissed from office.

During a meeting with the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasised his dedication to serving the country.

“I appreciate the efforts of the cabinet members, but I will not hesitate to relieve anyone who is not delivering for Nigerians,” he stated.

The President urged state governments to focus on local communities by promoting accountability and ensuring effective governance at the local level. “I urge you to engage with the governors. While I am striving to improve the nation’s revenue base, they must also prioritize the needs of local communities,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of local governance, Tinubu noted, “People live, work, and farm in local areas. If local governments fail to provide essential services, we must reassess our strategies. The approaches that worked four years ago may no longer be effective.”

Addressing education, President Tinubu called the high number of out-of-school children unacceptable. “Education is a vital tool against poverty, and we must leverage it to improve our citizens’ lives. We are committed to collaborating intensively to enhance our education system, which is the backbone of our economy,” he added.

The President also spoke on security, praising National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. “Everyone desires security, and we need to invest in technology to ensure the safety of our citizens. We are dedicated to this mission,” he promised.

Regarding economic development and livestock management, Tinubu highlighted the potential of dairy farming. “Animal husbandry presents significant economic opportunities. We need to encourage governors to allocate more land and foster cooperation with herders. With adequate funding and collaboration, we can achieve substantial growth in this sector,” he explained.

President Tinubu also appealed for national unity and ongoing support for his administration. “Our diversity is our strength. I thank the cabinet members for their efforts, but I will not hesitate to replace any who fail Nigerians,” he reiterated.

He announced the formation of a committee to address the issues discussed, led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Barrister Bashir Dalhatu, Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees, congratulated Tinubu on his first year in office and praised his accomplishments. He expressed confidence in the President, noting that his promises and support during the election campaign had significantly influenced Northern Nigeria’s voting patterns.