Worried about the fact that his administration had been portrayed in the eyes of his critics as a ‘sleeping, inaccessible president’ or a ‘go-slow president’, Yar Adua has made several efforts to get his ministers to let the public know what his generally perceived non-performing government is doing. But his ministers have not complied, they hide behind their iron curtains, mum is the word.
What is going on in Yar’adua’s cabinet?
Worried about the fact that his administration had been portrayed in the eyes of his critics as a ‘sleeping, inaccessible president’ or a ‘go-slow president’, Yar Adua has made several efforts to get his ministers to let the public know what his generally perceived non-performing government is doing. Three months ago, he gave a directive for ministers to open up to the media. Only a couple of ministers tepidly complied, the rest has gone back behind their iron curtains since then, mum is the word.
Nigerians have been waiting to learn of on-going projects. The media too are ready but the ministers have not been forthcoming.
It was also said that “Worried by accusation of non-performance, President Yar Adua has taken personal interest in the implementation of the budget… for example cabinet members have been taking turns to make presentations on budget execution at Council meetings in a special initiative to ensure delivery”.
The questions we are asking are: what have these ministers got to hide? Have Yar’adua announced any project for them carry on? What about the accusation from the House of Reps that the budget allocations are being under-utilised?
If the Ministers are deliberately flouting his orders, doesn’t the President have the powers to sack his ministers?
On the other hand, If monies have been allocated to the Ministries, Why are the Ministers withholding information even when on two occasions the President has ordered them to tell the public what the government is doing? Is the President really in control? Does he know what is really going on inside his government? Is he really able to lead? If so, why are the sheep under his keep wandering in all directions?
Or, could the ministers’ shyness be caused by the fact that some of them have nothing to present?
If the Ministers have nothing to report nko?
Read also 30 Reasons why Nigeria should get rid of Yar’adua