Concerns are growing among some ministers as indications of a cabinet reshuffle loom.

On Monday, reports suggested that several ministers are feeling anxious following comments from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, about potential changes in the cabinet.

He hinted that those ministers who are not actively contributing to the Renewed Hope Agenda could face dismissal.

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Criticism has surfaced regarding the current cabinet, with many observers alleging that several ministers have secured their positions primarily through political patronage rather than merit.

Before President Bola Tinubu announced his cabinet, there were high hopes that it would be populated largely by technocrats.

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Sources within the Presidency disclosed that prior to his two-week vacation in the United Kingdom, President Tinubu had requested a performance review of the ministers, which was compiled by Hadiza Bala Usman, the Special Adviser on Policy Coordination and head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit.

One insider mentioned that Mrs. Usman has been thorough in her evaluation of ministerial performance, stating, “Some of the ministers are jittery and have attempted to lobby her, but she is not easily swayed. She has always been strict and diligent, dating back to her tenure as Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority.”

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The source emphasized that the President intends to refresh his cabinet with new talent to effectively implement the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Additionally, President Tinubu reportedly held a lengthy meeting with Mrs. Usman in his Aso Rock office on Monday.

Also present were Zaccheus Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Special Adviser on Revenue, as well as Engr. Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works. Earlier in the day, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, had met with the President.

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A presidential source indicated that an announcement regarding the cabinet reshuffle is expected by the end of the week.

“There is a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting scheduled for Wednesday, which may serve as a farewell gathering for some ministers unless the President opts to delay the announcement,” the source added.

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An investigative panel probing allegations of preferential treatment for popular cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, during his six-month prison sentence has submitted its findings.

The report confirms that while Bobrisky served his term in custody, he enjoyed a range of special privileges that violated standard prison regulations.

Contrary to claims that Bobrisky was kept outside the correctional facility, the panel found that he was housed in a specially furnished single cell equipped with amenities such as a humidifier, a floor rug, and a fridge.

He also had access to a television, frequent family and friend visits, and a designated inmate assigned to handle errands for him.

There is speculation that Bobrisky may have also had access to a mobile phone during his incarceration.

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The investigation further revealed that Bobrisky’s transfer between correctional centers, from Ikoyi Custodial Centre to Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre, and later to Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre, was improperly documented.

According to the panel, this violated the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, as proper transfer records were backdated, breaching established protocols.

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The panel, chaired by Uju Agomoh, Executive Director of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), recommended a deeper investigation to determine whether Bobrisky’s privileges were the result of corrupt practices by correctional officers.

It also called for the establishment of clear guidelines to prevent preferential treatment based on an inmate’s socio-economic status.

In addition to Bobrisky’s case, the panel uncovered that Abdulrasheed Maina’s son transferred money into the personal account of Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Kelvin Iloafonsi Ikechukwu for Maina’s welfare.

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This act was deemed unethical, with the panel highlighting that it compromised the integrity of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Despite Maina’s approval of the transaction, it was found to be a breach of institutional rules.

The panel’s report highlighted significant issues within the Nigerian Correctional Service, including corruption, indiscipline, and unethical practices.

It called for reforms, including proper training for correctional officers, improved welfare for staff, and better funding for the service to address these systemic problems.

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Interior Minister Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo assured that the government would take action based on the panel’s findings, promising disciplinary measures against those implicated.

He emphasized that the report would not be ignored, as it marks the beginning of a larger reform aimed at transforming the correctional service into a rehabilitative institution.

“This report sets the foundation for broader reforms,” Tunji-Ojo said.

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“We are committed to holding those responsible accountable and ensuring the correctional service fulfills its mandate of rehabilitation, giving inmates a second chance.”

Tunji-Ojo also promised that the report would be made public, with full transparency and accountability throughout the reform process.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced the commencement of a new recruitment drive targeting young graduates for the positions of Tax Officers (Officer I and Officer II).

The agency made the announcement through a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, October 21, 2024.

In the post, FIRS indicated that additional information regarding the application process, deadlines, and submission guidelines would soon be made available on its official website.

The agency stated: “Public Notice 📣📣 Join us! We’re hiring for Officer I and II. If you are ready to make an impact in public service and contribute to national development as a Tax Officer, then stay tuned.”

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FIRS also emphasized the qualities it seeks in candidates: “We are looking for candidates with integrity and a strong desire to excel professionally, as well as those who possess strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.”

Additionally, FIRS reiterated its commitment to diversity in the recruitment process, saying “The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all eligible candidates, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background, to consider applying.”

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“Stay tuned for more details, and thank you for your interest in joining the FIRS team.” it concluded.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has pushed back against growing calls for its dissolution, with 16 state governors currently in court challenging the agency’s legality.

The Director of Public Affairs of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, stated that Nigeria’s survival depends on the anti-graft commission, given the country’s deep-seated corruption issues.

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Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Uwujaren expressed disbelief at the legal actions taken against the EFCC.

“Nigerians need to see through these antics and resist it because without the EFCC, Nigeria cannot survive the level of corruption we’re dealing with,” he emphasized.

Uwujaren suggested that the individuals behind the challenge are attempting to escape accountability.

“I don’t think the EFCC is the primary issue for citizens in those states,” he remarked.

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“What’s really happening is that certain people are feeling the pressure from the EFCC’s work and want to derail its operations.”

He also stressed that the establishment of the EFCC is legally sound, and efforts to challenge its existence are aimed at undermining the fight against corruption.

“Those who are pushing this agenda want to kill the EFCC and stop transparency and accountability in their regions,” Uwujaren added.

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The controversy comes after 16 governors, led by the Kogi State Government, filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court, contesting the agency’s constitutionality.

The states involved in the suit include Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Benue, Anambra, Plateau, Cross River, and Niger.

The case is scheduled for hearing on October 22nd.

However, legal experts like Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer, have criticized the move.

Falana argued that the EFCC, along with other anti-corruption bodies like the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Code of Conduct Tribunal, is essential to Nigeria’s fight against corruption.

He advocates for reforms to ensure these institutions operate independently of government control.

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Olisa Agbakoba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), holds a different view, asserting that the EFCC’s establishment is unconstitutional.

In letters to the National Assembly, Agbakoba argued that the powers granted to the EFCC exceed the limits of the National Assembly’s authority.

“I strongly believe the EFCC is an unlawful organization, and I am pleased that many states are challenging its constitutionality,” Agbakoba stated.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has replaced Adegboyega Fasasi as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Rasheed Atanda Lawal, a Deputy Director within the DSS, has been appointed as Fasasi’s successor.

Sources within the Presidential Villa disclosed that Fasasi, who has held the role of CSO since President Tinubu’s inauguration, has been sent on a professional training course.

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It was reported that the Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Ajayi, sought and received approval from the President to release Fasasi for this strategic training.

Lawal has reportedly assumed his new position at the Presidential Villa.

According to DSS insiders, such changes are routine, especially following the appointment of a new Director-General.

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A source explained that new DSS leadership often reshuffles personnel in key areas, particularly within the Presidency, to ensure trusted officers are placed in critical roles.

“Yes, Fasasi has been replaced because he’s set to undergo a professional training course. This type of redeployment is quite common when a new DSS Director-General comes into office,” a source stated.

Although no official statement has been released at the time of this report, the move is viewed as part of a regular reorganization within the security agency.

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