By Doris Ijeoma Israel
President Bola Tinubu has threatened to sack all underperforming ministers in his cabinet.
The president disclosed this during the opening ceremony of his administration’s first Cabinet Retreat at the new conference centre of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.
At the retreat, all participants were required to sign a Ministerial Performance Bond, which will be periodically reviewed.
Tinubu said those who fail to meet the objectives outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda may be removed from their positions.
“You will sign a bond (of performance) with me, you If you are performing, nothing to fear, if you miss the objective, if you don’t perform, you leave us.
“We must take 50 million out of poverty. Look around, don’t be wicked. We can only spend the money, we cannot spend the people.”
He also stated that he was willing to take responsibility for both the successes and failures of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari ‘s administration, and he was committed to steering the country through economic and social recovery.
He spoke a day after he warned his son, Seyi, and other unauthorised persons to stop being meddlesome interlopers and interrupting the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings in session.
He said it is not acceptable for unaccredited individuals to have access in and out of the FEC meeting convened to discuss crucial issues of national importance.
His words; “Last week, I noticed the undue access of people sneaking in and out of this Council, including… I saw the photograph of my son, Seyi, sitting behind me. That is not acceptable. I will announce to you those people who are supposed to be here”.
He enumerated the presidential aides permitted to be present at the FEC meeting as his Special Advisers on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Usman; Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga; Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola and Private Secretary, Damilotun Aderemi.
Specifically addressing the Secretary to the Government (SGF) and Head of Service, President Tinubu said; “Those are people who are granted exception to be here when we’re conducting the business of the nation. Unless I sent for you, don’t come. Make it clear. Secretary to the Government and Head of Service, please take note.”