The dismissed minister of state for housing and urban development Abdullahi Gwarzo has expressed dissatisfaction with his removal from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, insisting he was not dismissed due to poor performance.
In a cabinet reshuffle on October 23, 2024, Tinubu let go of Gwarzo along with four other ministers: Uju-Ken Ohanenye (women affairs), Lola Ade-John (tourism), Prof. Tahir Mamman (education), and Dr. Jamila Ibrahim (youth development).
Addressing his removal in an interview with BBC Hausa, Gwarzo said the president informed him of the decision to relieve him of his duties before the official announcement was made public.
He said: “I was surprised because I wasn’t found guilty of any wrongdoing or poor performance.
“And I was minister of state, with the senior minister overseeing a large portion of the Ministry’s activities.
“Before the announcement, the President had informed me of his decision.
“He said Kano North was overloaded with political officers, hence the need to strike a balance. We gave our advice, but it was ignored.
“From there, I began to suspect that certain individuals were behind this because, to me, that wasn’t a valid reason.
“If the ministerial slot is indeed meant for Kano Central, we have our 2023 governorship candidate who is also our leader in Kano Central. Why not consider giving him the position?
“Gawuna should be offered the role first, unless he declines, in which case it could be given to someone else.
“All other candidates from Plateau and Zamfara states who contested for the governorships were appointed to positions.”
