Don’t trust your ‘right hand men’ for ministerial recommendation — ex-minister tells Tinubu

• Shittu some members of the President’s kitchen cabinet who should be on the lookout for technocrats to be appointed ministers have vested interests and would only recommend their persons.

Adebayo Shittu, former Minister of Communications, has advised President Bola Tinubu to be cautious of ministerial recommendations from some of his closest advisors, specifically “his right hand men.”

Shittu shared his concerns on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” program on Thursday night, amid rumors of an impending cabinet reshuffle.

This planned reshuffle was confirmed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who stated, “the president has expressed his desire to reshuffle his cabinet and he will do it”.

Onanuga added, “I don’t know whether he wants to do it before October 1, but he will surely do it… But he has not given us any timeline.”

The President has also instructed his ministers to “actively” communicate the administration’s achievements.

Shittu warned that some members of the President’s inner circle have personal interests and may only recommend individuals who align with those interests.

“You cannot trust anybody, even if you are talking of kitchen cabinet,” he emphasized.

Shittu noted that Tinubu’s recruitment process will involve individuals from various parts of the country, many of whom he has never met.

However, he may rely on recommendations from influential party groups.

“This will be the first time he would be recruiting people from all parts of the country most of whom he may never have met in life,” he added.

Shittu stressed the importance of clear communication between the President and his appointees.

“Mr. President has an opportunity to decide what he wants. If you are not there and if he does not tell you exactly what he wants, it would be very difficult.”

He also highlighted the need for an orientation process to ensure appointees understand their employer’s priorities.