Headlines

Cabinet Shake Up Looms In Taraba

Published

10 years ago

March 14, 2016

Panic As Gov Ishaku Mulls Readjusting Political Equation

Tarabans have been waiting with bated breath the expected cabinet changes by Governor Darius Ishaku in Taraba State to reflect certain political realignments following the confirmation of his mandate by the Supreme Court.. This is against the background that, the current cabinet, according to watchers, is not one that can provide the platform for the governor to achieve his dreams.
Our investigations reveal that, many of the office holders are evidently out of sync with the governor and his mission, just as many of them were brought in as a sort of stop gap measure when the governor was in court battling to recover his mandate.
According to a political analyst and a keen watcher of Taraba politics, Mr , Ande Tanimu, the governor, from all indications does not have a structure he can rely upon, as what is on ground is a conjecture by some stakeholders who cobbled together a watery cabinet for him. The last thing on the governor’s mind at the time was appointments, according to the analyst. “The governor was under intense pressure to start his government. But faced with the court case, he wasn’t really keen on this as he was fighting to survive at the tribunal . He therefore accepted names randomly thrown at him. I bet he didn’t really have time to give the whole process a thorough going over.” That indiscretion on the part of the governor was to cost him a lot. Starting with his SSG, the governor got knocks from those who questioned his choice of Anthony Jellason, a man in his late 70s, largely seen as an antithesis to the doctrine of change, or any serious progress. Hailing from Zing, his tribesmen, the Mumuye (that constitute the largest group in the state,) had even rejected his choice as SSG.
That was the beginning of trouble for Darius. Old age apart, Jellason had served in every government conceivable since the state was part of the regional government of the North East. In the old Gongola, he was also a commissioner. He is currently enmeshed in an alleged financial scandal ensuing from the Flood fund under probe. For many, Darius’ choice of SSG is anachronistic, and even retarded. Besides, Jellason currently betrays all the signs of ageing and atrophy according to observers. His core duties are being carried out by the governor’s Chief of Staff, Usman Rebo. The feeling in Jalingo is that Jellason might be the first to be axed in the envisaged reorganisation.
Another cabinet member on his way out might be the commissioner of information, Anthony Danburam. Apart from his age, many observers believes he lacks the competence in the field he over sees. A lawyer, Danburam is not seen as a game changer in the propaganda sector. Besides, he was clearly absent when the governor battled his mandate at the courts. The media onslaughts during that period was eventually assigned to consultants outside the state. Watchers think he may be reassigned a different ministry as a proper person is given his portfolio. Aminu Jika is said to be the favourite for the position but Jika had rejected the commissionership. Many believe Jika may be sacked for initially rejecting the offer.
The commissioner of finance is a young, dashing medical doctor. Many believe he is unfit for the position, especially after labour recently went on strike over salary issues. Some observers note that he may have to go to make way for someone with some financial savvy. A suggestion that he should be assigned the youth ministry is trending. The current commissioner of water resources, Emmanuel Dame is favoured for the finance ministry position because of his sterling performance when he held the position in the past.
The commissioner of women affairs too is largely seen as incompetent. A woman with limited western education, no one is sure how she became commissioner. She is seen as an example of Darius’s rushed decision. Says Ande, “in a proper cabinet, that woman doesn’t belong there. You can’t make a woman like that a commissioner in a state where you have the likes of Tina Musa, Veronica Alhassan and Mrs. Green Jonathan.”
Governor Darius recently hinted that the over one hundred special assistants he appointed last year are a drain on his finances. Although, some collect as little as 50 thousand naira as salary, the sheer number makes their wage bill huge. He would soon send them packing. And he may be applauded for this when he finally pulls it off.
First, the appointments, in the view of many, were scandalous in the face of what is now the norm: cutting down the size of government. Besides, the appointees are clearly not adding any known value to governance. It is doubtful if they even have any political currency. What is more, many of them are even in the opposition, according to insiders, working against the governor’s interest.
It is against this background that Governor Darius Ishaku, going by his body language may be contemplating making changes to place his government on a sound footing, so as to get his administration on track, and face the challenge as of governance, which may make or mar his chances of returning in 2019 as governor. He also plans to address certain concerns arising from some political permutations across Taraba state in order to ensure the stability of his government, and give those who are actually out to help Taraba state a chance

Headlines

“Nigeria Is in a Hurry to Celebrate Victory Over Enemies of the State,” Says Tinubu as He Decorates New Service Chiefs

Published

2 days ago

October 30, 2025

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the newly appointed service chiefs to discharge their duties with utmost dedication and renewed commitment, declaring that “Nigeria is in a hurry to celebrate victory over enemies of the state.”

The President made this statement on Thursday during the decoration ceremony of the new service chiefs with their ranks at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Those decorated were General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Wahidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and the spouses of the newly promoted officers, who joined the President in performing the decorations.

In his address, Tinubu underscored the central role of security in fostering national development and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians.

“Security is an essential element without which everything else becomes meaningless,” the President stated. “There can be no sustainable development if this fundamental need is not met. Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the dividends of governance.”

The elevation and decoration of the new military chiefs followed their confirmation by the National Assembly on Wednesday, after a closed-door screening session with lawmakers.

It will be recalled that, in a recent overhaul of the nation’s military hierarchy, President Tinubu appointed:

Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff,
Major General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff,
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff,
Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and
Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye retained as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

The new appointments mark a strategic restructuring of Nigeria’s security leadership aimed at strengthening the fight against insurgency, banditry, and other threats to national stability.

Headlines

FG Dismisses Coup Rumour, Reaffirms Confidence in Nigerian Military

Published

2 weeks ago

October 20, 2025

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

The Federal Government has dismissed widespread rumours of an alleged military coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, declaring its full confidence in the loyalty and professionalism of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known in an interview with The Punch on Sunday, insisting that the administration has “no reason whatsoever” to doubt the assurances given by the Defence Headquarters, which had earlier denied reports linking the detention of 16 military officers to a coup attempt.

“The Federal Government has no reason to doubt the military on what it has said,” Idris stated.
“We believe the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to protecting the nation’s territorial integrity and strengthening the fight against insecurity. The government commends their sacrifice and will continue to support them in safeguarding the country.”

The minister’s remarks came a day after the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, firmly debunked a report by Sahara Reporters alleging that the detention of 16 officers was connected to a failed coup plot and the cancellation of the 65th Independence Day parade.

Gusau described the publication as “false, mischievous, and deliberately aimed at creating unnecessary tension and public distrust.”

He clarified that the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade was a purely administrative decision — taken to allow President Tinubu attend a key bilateral meeting abroad and to enable military units sustain ongoing counterinsurgency operations nationwide.

On the issue of the detained officers, Gusau said their case was “an internal disciplinary process” and not related to any political matter.

“The investigation involving the 16 officers is routine, aimed at upholding discipline and professionalism within the ranks,” he explained. “An investigative panel has been constituted, and its findings will be made public in due course.”

Reaffirming the military’s constitutional role and unwavering commitment to civilian rule, Gusau stressed emphatically:

“Democracy is forever.”

Headlines

FG Moves to Reform Civil Service Disciplinary System for Greater Efficiency

Published

3 weeks ago

October 14, 2025

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

The Federal Government is set to overhaul the disciplinary control system in the civil service to promote efficiency, accountability, and timely resolution of cases.

The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa, made this known during a one-day joint retreat between the FCSC and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Taiwo Hassan, Olaopa emphasized that the review would drive culture change, value reorientation, and improve the overall disciplinary framework in the public sector.

He likened the relationship between the FCSC and OHCSF to that of “Siamese twins,” noting that both bodies share crucial responsibilities in policy implementation, regulatory enforcement, and leadership across the service.

Olaopa also underscored the need for stronger collaboration and communication between the two institutions to avoid misunderstandings, build trust, and enhance service delivery.

The FCSC chairman further advocated for an integrated system that links merit-based recruitment, competency-driven human resource management, and performance evaluation with the civil service wage structure, saying such reforms would help reposition government as an “employer of choice.”

Speaking on behalf of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, Esther Walson-Jack praised Olaopa’s reform initiatives, describing the retreat as a renewed commitment to strengthening collaboration and efficiency within the civil service.

The renewed push for reform follows rising concerns about bureaucratic bottlenecks, delayed disciplinary actions, and weak accountability mechanisms in Nigeria’s public administration.