Tinubu delivered this warning to members of his cabinet during the three-day 2023 Cabinet Retreat in Abuja, under the theme “Delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Addressing the gathering, President Tinubu emphasized the ministers’ responsibility to serve the people who entrusted their mandates to him.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to lifting 50 million Nigerians out of poverty, underlining that poverty, while not a matter of shame, is entirely unacceptable and must be eradicated.

President Tinubu encouraged the ministers to focus on advancing the objectives of their ministries and embark on bold initiatives.

He stressed that his administration was determined to harness the nation’s population as a valuable asset.

To ensure accountability and results, he mentioned the establishment of Results Delivery Units and announced that a “Bond of Understanding” would be signed between the ministers, the permanent secretaries, and himself at the end of the retreat.

The President made it clear that performance would be the key determinant, with a strong commitment to achieving results.

He also emphasized that decisions should be made without fear, and the administration is open to feedback and constructive criticism.

President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s potential, describing it as the most intellectually sound country in Africa, despite challenges such as desert encroachment in the north and climate change.

He called upon ministers and government officials to demonstrate leadership, stating that the goal is to make democracy a lasting example for the rest of Africa.

While acknowledging that the country is undergoing a reform process with its share of challenges, President Tinubu urged his team not to hinder Nigeria’s progress.

He stressed the need for better living wages for workers, economic transformation, improved healthcare, and upgraded infrastructure.

The President expressed confidence in the ability to fund these changes and emphasized the importance of courageous, determined, and focused leadership in achieving national objectives.

The President made this call on Monday during his opening statements at the inaugural Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the State House.

Tinubu specifically urged members of the FEC, including ministers, to put in substantial effort, highlighting that the hopes of Nigerians are considerably high and any form of underperformance will not be accepted.

He also reiterated his administration’s policy goals, which encompass economic reforms to achieve sustainable and comprehensive growth, as well as bolstering national security to ensure peace and prosperity.

Tinubu emphasized that the nation would heavily rely on the expertise, skill, intellect, and connections of those who have been appointed to make progress in these challenging times, and he made it clear that failure would not be excused during his tenure.

“You and I know that expectations are high, and these are tough times. We must work hard and move ourselves to create a buoyant economy that will serve Nigeria. We have an employment rate that is unacceptable, and we are facing threats from climate change.

“In order to turn things around, you have been selected to perform your utmost best. Our policy implementation will reform the economy, ensure inclusive growth, and strengthen security for peace and prosperity. Without security, there can be no investment,” the President said.

The recently inaugurated ministers were present at the inaugural FEC meeting.

The President had on August 21, 2023 sworn in 45 ministers after they were screened and cleared by the Senate.

Addressing his cabinet members, the President said, “We shall evolve a homegrown re-engineering of our finances, a reimagined stewardship of our resources, and we will let the economy work for the people of this country.

“There are so many things we can and will do. Yes, some cynics will say it is impossible. But in your own dictionary of service, everything is possible, and it must be possible.”

According to a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the President expressed confidence that the carefully selected cabinet members know that his government is a new one with a new approach and a new mandate to deliver for Nigeria without any lamentation or excuses.

“We have the talent. We have the level of intellectual capacity required to turn this country around. We will make sure that the country is on the right path to succeed on behalf of more than 200 million Nigerians who rely on us,” the President affirmed.

“It is in your hands now. I am ready to listen and to cooperate. I am ready even to be corrected. Only God is perfect. You have been asked to fetch water from a dry well. The challenges are great, but we will deliver for Nigerians. I am happy to be the captain of this vehicle.

“It is a great commitment that you have made to the country. Since your inauguration as a minister, you have become a servant for the people, serving all of the people, all of the time,” the President concluded.

The ministers were sworn before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.

The seven ministers will replace those who resigned from their appointment in May 2022 to actualise their political ambition.

Buhari at the swearing-in ceremony warned that any of the seven newly inaugurated ministers “caught in corrupt practices would face the full wrath of the law”.

This was as he urged them to eschew corruption saying public officers must be above board.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, disclosed this in a statement.

The newly appointed ministers and their portfolios are: Ikechukwu Ikoh (Minister of State, Science and Technology); Umana Umana (Minister of Niger Delta Affairs); Udi Odum (Minister of State, Environment); Ademola Adegoroye (Minister of State, Transportation); Umar El-Yakub (Minister of State, Works and Housing); Goodluck Opiah (Minister of State, Education) and Nkama Ekumankama (Minister of State, Health.)

Speaking to the new cabinet members, Buhari called for collaboration with their older colleagues and announced the reassignment of portfolios in his cabinet, saying the new redeployment is aimed at reinvigorating certain sectors where the government desires to accomplish improved results.

He said, ‘‘I begin this address by welcoming on board, all newly sworn-in members of the Federal Executive Council. I also congratulate you because the process that you all passed through to reach this stage has been rigorous and meticulous.

‘‘I, therefore, urge you to consider your emergence out of millions of equally qualified Nigerians within the purview of selection from your State, as a call to duty that imposes the obligation to serve the nation diligently and presents to you the unique opportunity to work hard in service to the Government and the country.

‘‘This administration has been in the saddle since 2015 and is now on the home stretch of its second term, as the nation prepares for the 2023 general elections. All through, it has vigorously pursued the three main electoral objectives namely: Securing the nation; Diversifying & growing the economy as well as fighting corruption.

‘‘You must resist bad counsel, resist temptation and be circumspect in your utterances and conduct. You must totally eschew corruption and be above board because if caught there will be no sacred cows.

‘‘You are all coming on-board at this time with new energy, ideas, experiences and vigour, to join the existing team so that the implementation of policies, programs and projects associated with these electoral objectives would be escalated and accelerated.

‘‘There is still so much to be done for our country in the areas of infrastructure development, energy, access to finance, access to justice, technology and innovation, trade, agriculture, education and security. The list is inexhaustible,’’ he said.

Buhari is said to be attending the FEC meeting from the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

This will be the second virtual FEC meeting since the beginning of the novel coronavirus hit the country.

InsideOjodu recalls that the first virtual FEC meeting was held on 13th May 2020, Wednesday, last week.

The virtual option was adopted as part of measures to maintain social distancing which is put in place to curb the spread of the virus.

It was gathered that only ministers with memos to present need to be physically present at the Presidential Villa while others linked up from their different locations.

Details shortly…