Tinubu’s Scorecard: When Will Other Ministers Brief Nigerians?
By Zekeri Idakwo Laruba
In May 2023, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation organized and hosted Sectoral Anniversary Press Briefings, where some ministers presented updates on their achievements during the first year of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
However, in a surprising move, the ministerial press briefing, which lasted for four days, was abruptly suspended when, at the last event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Idris Mohammed Malagi, announced that there would be no further briefings due to the May 29th anniversary celebration. He promised that the sectorial updates would resume thereafter.
Yet, the silence on the continuation of the program has left citizens in the dark and questioning the government’s commitment to its renewed “Renewed Hope” agenda of doing things the right way.
The briefing had provided a platform for citizens to engage directly with their leaders and gain insights and feedback on the government’s policies and programs. Even though it was preparatory to the May 29th anniversary celebration, the quality of the press briefings was quite commendable.
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The initial session of the Sectoral Briefing featured 17 prominent ministers, including Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Mr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Dr. Jamila Ibrahim Bio, Minister of Youth Development. Other notable ministers who presented their briefings were Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, Minister of Steel Development, Dr. Mariya Mahmud, Minister of State for FCT, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum, and Mr. Ayodele Olawande, Minister of State for Youth Development.
Additionally, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, and Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, also participated in the initial session of the Sectoral Briefing.
It is on record that the Tinubu administration has a total of 45 ministers, excluding the embattled Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu. This means that there are 44 ministers in total. However, only 17 ministers presented their updates during the ministerial briefing, leaving many to wonder about the status of the remaining 27 ministers.
Ministers yet to present their sectorial achievement presentations include Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism; Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation Science and Technology; Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State, Labour and Employment; Uju Kennedy, Minister of Women Affairs; and David Umahi, Minister of Works, among others.
Nigerians have hailed the press briefing initiative as a step forward in President Tinubu’s administration, but the continued suspension of the briefing has raised concerns about the government’s openness and accountability.
It is necessary to urge the Minister of Information, Mallam Idris Malagi, to prevail on the remaining ministers to address the citizens on the accomplishments of the Tinubu administration and their individual stewardship. By engaging Nigerians through the briefing, the government can demonstrate its dedication to fulfilling promises and building trust with the public.
Zekeri Idakwo Laruba is an Assistant Editor with Image Merchants Promotion Ltd, Abuja.
