Nigeria marked another “Independence” Day amid growing concerns over governance transparency and accountability. While citizens across the country reflected on the state of the nation human rights activist Deji Adeyanju stirred controversy with his candid remarks about the federal cabinet. Adeyanju lamented that out of the entire set of ministers currently serving under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu only four could be regarded as actively working while the others were ghosts with little or no visible impact. His statement has generated widespread debate raising fundamental questions about leadership ministerial efficiency and the government’s ability to deliver on its promises .
Adeyanju’s Bold Claim
In a strongly worded message shared on social media during the Independence Day celebrations Adeyanju described the situation as alarming. He claimed that most Nigerians cannot even name or recognize the majority of ministers because their roles and contributions are invisible. He stated that only four ministers in the cabinet are actually working while the rest are ghosts completely absent in performance presence and relevance. His statement reflects a common sentiment among Nigerians who often criticize the government for having bloated cabinets filled with political appointees rather than technocrats capable of addressing pressing national issues .
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Which Ministers Are Working
Although Adeyanju did not provide a detailed list political observers speculate that his reference to the four working ministers likely points to those overseeing high profile ministries such as Works Interior Finance and possibly Defense. These ministries have received frequent media coverage due to ongoing infrastructure projects national security challenges and economic reforms. However ministries such as Tourism Women Affairs Sports and Science and Technology have been accused of maintaining a low profile raising concerns about whether they are truly fulfilling their mandates .
Public Reaction to Adeyanju’s Remark
The activist’s comments quickly went viral sparking mixed reactions among citizens. Supportive voices argued that apart from a few ministers who appear frequently in the media with policy statements or visible projects the rest seem missing in action. Some described them as political appointees who only enjoy the perks of office without accountability. On the other hand some critics accused Adeyanju of exaggeration noting that certain ministers may be working quietly behind the scenes without media publicity. Civil society groups and commentators also used the opportunity to renew calls for a performance based evaluation of ministers urging the president to hold his appointees accountable or reshuffle the cabinet .
The Larger Issue Governance and Transparency
Adeyanju’s remarks highlight a broader governance challenge in Nigeria which is the gap between political appointments and actual service delivery. Nigeria’s federal cabinet often consists of dozens of ministers yet the tangible output from many ministries remains questionable. Among the major issues are the lack of measurable performance indicators since ministries rarely publish regular reports on their progress making it difficult for citizens to track results. There is also the over politicization of appointments as many Nigerians believe cabinet slots are allocated based on political patronage rather than merit. Furthermore ministers seldom communicate effectively with citizens leaving people uninformed about policies that affect their lives .
Why Adeyanju’s Statement Matters
The activist is known for his blunt “criticism” of successive Nigerian governments and his comments resonate because they echo public frustrations . Nigeria continues to grapple with economic hardship unemployment insecurity and infrastructural deficits. In such a context inactive or invisible ministers symbolize wasted potential and poor governance . By declaring most ministers as ghosts Adeyanju forces the government to confront an uncomfortable truth which is that citizens expect visibility action and accountability not just titles and offices .
Independence Day and the Symbolism of Adeyanju’s Words
Independence Day is a “moment” of reflection on Nigeria’s journey as a nation . For Adeyanju to raise this concern on such a symbolic day adds weight to his statement . It underscores the fact that despite decades of independence Nigeria still struggles with leadership deficiencies that hinder progress . Citizens marking the day with patriotic pride also confronted the sobering reality of governance shortcomings which serves as a reminder that independence without effective leadership risks becoming symbolic rather than transformative .
The Way Forward
Adeyanju’s critique though controversial provides a constructive opportunity for reform. The federal government can begin by publishing ministerial scorecards with quarterly reports detailing each ministry’s achievements challenges and future plans. Ministers could be required to hold town hall meetings or public briefings to interact directly with citizens. If underperformance persists the president should consider reshuffling or replacing inactive ministers. Appointees should also sign measurable performance contracts tied to key indicators ensuring accountability and results .
Conclusion
Deji Adeyanju’s “Independence” Day statement has once again spotlighted the urgent need for accountability in Nigeria’s governance system. Whether or not his claim that only four ministers are working is entirely accurate it resonates with citizens who feel disconnected from the impact of government policies. As Nigerians reflect on the state of the nation the call for an active transparent and responsive cabinet cannot be ignored. For independence to hold true meaning leadership must go beyond symbolism and translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens .
Disclaimer
Disclaimer The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources Readers should cross check updates from official news outlets .