President Bola Tinubu announced a significant cabinet reshuffle after the Wednesday session of the Federal Executive Council, which included the reassignment of the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Azoka-Anite and the Dropping of the Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John Amid Pressure From Lagos Power Bloc’
Azoka-Anite, who faced criticism for her managerial decisions, has been moved to the Ministry of Finance as a state minister.
Reliable sources revealed that Azoka-Anite’s removal from her previous role was largely due to her alleged disengagement from the critical agencies and departments within her ministry.
It was disclosed that she relocated her office from the ministry’s official premises to an alternative location in Abuja, complicating communication and workflow among her staff.
Ministry officials, preferring to remain anonymous, expressed concerns that Azoka-Anite’s physical absence from the ministry hindered operational efficiency and left departmental functions somewhat disjointed.
This move reportedly made it challenging for the staff to execute their duties effectively and maintain routine administrative oversight.
A top official of the ministry said, “The ministry was too big for her to handle. We usually have two ministers; we didn’t know why the President appointed only her to manage the ministry.“Unfortunately, she was overwhelmed because she wanted to operate alone, not willing to work with departments and agencies under the ministry.
“She frustrated industrialists because of her self-styled administrative system. Each time we wanted to sign a file, we would leave the ministry to go and meet her at the new personal office she created in Abuja, and most of the files we submitted would not be returned to us. She has her team running the ministry for her.“I believe industrialists who were frustrated by her style reported her to the President and demanded her removal, which led to her demotion.” WEhile
Ade-John’s the Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John. non-political background and lack of a ‘godfather’ led to her ouster.
Sources close to the tourism industry revealed that Ade-John’s removal was heavily influenced by powerful political figures within the Lagos State administration.
Despite her residence in Lagos, Ade-John reportedly faced multiple rebuffs in attempts to meet with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, with insiders suggesting that she was denied access on three separate occasions.
The absence of a political patron in Lagos exposed Ade-John to vulnerabilities, making her susceptible to internal pressures and threats from those aiming to exert control over the tourism sector.
One of the sources said, “She may be from Lagos by birth, but she is not a party person. That is her crime. She was relieved because of pressure from the Lagos power bloc.
“This woman performed excellently well. Nigeria has offended her because she gave in her best and we have the result.”
