Northern Forum Presses Tinubu For Cabinet Shake-Up, Security Overhaul

The Northern Ethnic Nationality Forum (NENF), a coalition of political and socio-cultural leaders from the 19 northern states, has urged President Bola Tinubu to sack underperforming ministers and replace the nation’s Service Chiefs, citing Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and governance challenges.

In a statement released Sunday and signed by its Convener, Dominic Alancha, the Forum said it had reviewed the “painful realities” faced by Nigerians, particularly in the North, and concluded that urgent corrective steps were unavoidable.

“The current cabinet is visibly underperforming and lacks both competence and political weight to effectively deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda. Ministerial positions should not be rewards for loyalty but assignments for individuals with integrity, proven ability, and strong political capital,” the Forum stated.

It insisted that Tinubu dissolve and reconstitute the Federal Executive Council (FEC) without delay, warning that his administration’s credibility, and political survival ahead of the 2027 elections rests on stronger leadership.

Turning to security, the Forum decried the “catastrophic” impact of banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping on farming, trade, and movement across the region. It accused the current Service Chiefs of failing despite access to vast resources, and demanded their immediate removal.

The Forum further called for the declaration of a state of emergency on security in Northern Nigeria, but clarified that it was advocating for a coordinated, multi-agency intervention rather than blanket militarization.

“This must be a results-driven operation to dismantle terrorist networks, restore law and order, and safeguard livelihoods,” the statement stressed.

While applauding Tinubu’s economic reforms, including subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, NENF urged the government to cushion the burden on citizens through accelerated palliative distribution, large-scale agricultural and industrial investments, and improved infrastructure in transport, power, and manufacturing.