Dr. Wunmi Bewaji, a renowned constitutional lawyer, is the Executive Secretary of the Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reform (CODER) and previously served as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency under the Alliance for Democracy. In this conversation, the former lawmaker shares insights on the key figures surrounding the President and their pivotal role in the administration's effectiveness.
In President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, there are notable figures recognized as the President's men. Many of these individuals have been collaborators of the President since his tenure as Governor from 1999 to 2007 and have now been assigned to significant positions within the current government. What is your perspective on the individuals associated with the President?
During the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, there were accusations of nepotism, as critics pointed out his preference for appointing individuals from his region. Buhari justified these choices by stating he would appoint those he was familiar with. This includes notable appointments like the Central Bank Governor, Yemi Cardoso.
People are well aware of the reputation the President earned during his time in Lagos, where he was dubbed the "headmaster". This title stemmed from his rigorous approach as a commissioner for planning; he would refuse to approve any payments unless the necessary sub-headings were clearly shown under the budget, regardless of the submitter's status.
Thus, presenting official documents from the accountant general did not guarantee payment under his administration, highlighting his strong sense of integrity. This integrity is what instills the President's confidence in figures like Yemi Cardoso, who is seen as essential for implementing free market reforms due to his reliability and dependability. Wale Edun, having a commendable track record in Lagos, is another individual who embodies these qualities.
Hence, it is not surprising that the President opts to rely on this group of individuals to advance his agenda. This approach seems natural, and I personally find no issue with it.
In addition to Cardoso, how do you assess the performance of others in this circle?
Take Femi Gbajabiamila, who also emerges from Lagos. His roles as Speaker of the House of Representatives, Majority Leader, and Minority Leader have equipped him with robust credentials for the position of Chief of Staff. Similarly, many individuals who collaborated with him during his governorship and afterwards have exhibited significant competence, thereby making their reliance on these seasoned advisors logical and justified.
Some critics argue that this reliance could hinder the discovery of talent from other regions. What is your take on this?
As the governor of Lagos, he notably appointed individuals from beyond Lagos and Western Nigeria. His special advisers included people from the North and commissioners from the South East, which was unprecedented at that time.
Constitutionally, the appointments of ministers ensure federal representation from all states of Nigeria, allowing for a diverse talent pool. Many of the appointed individuals, such as Yemi Cardoso and Wale Edun, are not conventional politicians but professionals instead. Elucidating on this, many raised concerns when he favored professionals over traditional politicians during his governorship, questioning his rationale for appointing someone like Fashola instead of a party member.
This consistency in preference for skilled professionals indicates his commitment to utilizing talent where it's found. Moreover, presidential appointments are generally bound by federal character, and the President has largely adhered to this principle, ensuring no state is left unrepresented within his cabinet of ministers and advisers.
What does the reliance on a 'kitchen cabinet' indicate about our political dynamics?
This is a common occurrence globally; leaders, including presidents or governors, tend to have their own inner circles. Such subsets exist even within larger cabinets, facilitating closer discussions before broader meetings. Certain individuals may have a more robust rapport with the President, providing candid advice while others might not share this closeness, leading to variations in how freely they can express concerns.
It is beneficial to surround oneself with those who are frank; they are persons committed to the leader's best interests. Thus, when such individuals provide counsel, it is likely to be heeded. This explains the emergence of kitchen cabinets, which are not inherently negative.
What if those in the cabinet do not communicate the truth?
This is a valid concern; however, due to Nigeria's vastness, the Presidential Office manages a vast array of briefs from various sources and agencies. Even if one agency head provides misleading information, the diversity of perspectives guarantees that the President still receives the truth from other channels. This allows for accountability, as individuals who fail to act in the administration's best interest may find their influence diminished, though they may remain in their positions.
How does this system of inner circles benefit our political landscape?
A cabinet system is not exclusive to Nigeria; in the U.S., for instance, the President maintains inner circles consisting of trusted aides. The crucial aspect is the government's focus on its core agenda, ensuring that those surrounding the President share his vision and objectives for the country.
What message do you have for those regarded as the President's closest aids?
My guidance for them is to prioritize honesty, placing the country's interests first in their recommendations. Their counsel should align with national priorities, ensuring that the President’s successes are also reflective of their contributions. Ultimately, it is vital for them to view the success of the President and his plans as intertwined with their own roles in this administration.
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