Primate Ayodele Criticizes Tinubu’s Cabinet Reshuffle, Cites Ineffectiveness and Poor Advice

Primate Elijah Ayodele, Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, expressed disappointment over President Bola Tinubu’s recent cabinet reshuffle, arguing that it lacks the necessary impact to improve Nigeria’s challenging economic conditions. In a statement released through his media aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Ayodele contended that the president acted on poor advice, removing the wrong ministers while retaining those responsible for the issues plaguing Nigerians daily.

The clergyman argued that while the reshuffle aimed to address public dissatisfaction, it fell short because the ministers causing hardship for Nigerians remain in office. Ayodele suggested that only a thorough cabinet overhaul, targeting ministers who contribute to the worsening economic climate, would be met with public approval and make a tangible difference. He emphasized that “Nigerians cannot applaud Tinubu over these changes because those making people cry are still in his cabinet.” According to Ayodele, the cabinet shakeup has yet to tackle the root causes of Nigeria’s economic difficulties, leaving Nigerians frustrated and disillusioned.

He went on to express skepticism about the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), questioning its approach to tackling corruption. Ayodele claimed that if the EFCC were truly committed to combating financial misconduct, it would need to investigate politicians broadly, suggesting that many current officeholders have accumulated wealth through unethical means. “If EFCC wants to be serious, every politician should be arrested,” Ayodele remarked, noting that numerous politicians had no significant wealth prior to taking office, only to become billionaires afterward. This issue, he argued, perpetuates systemic corruption that weakens Nigeria’s progress.

Ayodele’s criticism of the reshuffle, as well as his commentary on the EFCC, reflects a broader discontent with the pace of economic reform and the perceived persistence of political misconduct. The cleric’s statements resonate with many Nigerians who see the reshuffle as superficial, a change that fails to address the core issues. Ayodele urged that only a decisive shift in leadership and accountability could restore Nigerians’ faith in the government, stressing that the current reshuffle is “not in any way significant” and that Nigeria requires genuine reform to prevent further hardship for its citizens.