Dele Momodu mocks El-Rufai, Tinubu over ministerial team

Dele Momodu, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has openly criticised the composition of President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial team, suggesting that it falls short of expectations and previous standards. Speaking on the Mic On podcast, Momodu compared the current team to that of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and expressed his disappointment in the selection process.

Momodu highlighted that some of the ministers chosen by Tinubu are relatively unknown, contrasting with past appointments that featured more recognisable and accomplished figures. He lamented the absence of a star-studded cabinet and nostalgically referenced the notable figures from Ibrahim Babangida’s era, emphasising the lasting impact and recognition they garnered.

Drawing attention to the importance of strong advisory teams, Momodu stressed that successful leadership hinges on the ability to assemble a capable and influential group of advisers. He analogized this concept to a journalist’s reliance on accurate information to avoid propagating misinformation.

In his commentary, Momodu acknowledged that leaders have the potential for success when they surround themselves with competent advisers and actively heed their counsel. He urged Tinubu to reflect on the makeup of his ministerial team and consider implementing a more thorough vetting process to prevent situations where appointees face removal after undergoing screening.

According to Momodu: “Every leader has what it takes to be a good resident if he has good advisers and listens to them. It’s just like a journalist without corrections, he will always carry fake news.

“For any leader to succeed, he must look at his team and what I’m seeing now is worst than Buhari’s team.

“What I expected was a star-studded cabinet, I like to recall myself with sweet memories of Ibrahim Babangida’s cabinet in those days.

“We remember them till today, most of the people appointed now, I don’t know them. Under Babangida, I remember Akinyele, Bolaji Akinyemi, Bolasodun Ajibola, Tai Solarin, Wole Soyinka.

“You can’t say that today, somebody is on her way to screen you remove her, that’s disgraceful, it means you didn’t do your due diligence before appointing people.

“In the days of Okonjo-Iweala, Ezekwesili, Nubu Ribadu, original El-Rufai when he was a minister under PDP was original El-Rufai.”