Hold Governors Accountable, Not Just Tinubu – APC’s Chief Emami Urges Nigerians …Wants President to Reshuffle Cabinet for Better Performance

By our Correspondent

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Chief Ayiri Emami, has urged Nigerians to scrutinize how state governors manage the monthly allocations they receive from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), rather than directing all blame at the federal government.

Speaking with journalists over the weekend in Abuja, Chief Emami emphasized the need for greater accountability at the state level. According to official data, FAAC disbursed a total of N1.818 trillion in June 2025 to the federal, state, and local governments.

Emami noted that since the removal of petrol subsidy, states have seen increased revenue, yet many have failed to deliver tangible improvements to citizens’ welfare. He argued that this lack of accountability at the subnational level unfairly shifts all public frustration onto President Bola Tinubu.

“A lot of these governors aren’t helping the situation, which increases pressure on the federal government,” he said. “If subsidy is removed and the money is redirected to states, they should address the specific needs of their people. Unfortunately, many governors don’t seem to care, and everyone keeps blaming Tinubu.”

He criticized state leaders for prioritizing infrastructure projects over social welfare, saying, “It’s not just about roads and bridges. Without addressing welfare, people are hungry and frustrated, regardless of new roads. Most of the blame should be directed at the state governments.”

While acknowledging some federal efforts to ease hardship since subsidy removal, Emami called on President Tinubu to consider a cabinet reshuffle, noting that only a few ministers are meeting public expectations.

“If he can fix our roads—which I think the Minister of Works is trying—he also needs to inject fresh energy into his cabinet. Some ministers are sluggish and not thinking ahead. Not more than four or five are truly active. It’s not the President who should do everything; it’s the people he appoints,” he stressed.

Emami also urged citizens to be patient with the Tinubu administration and temper their expectations, arguing that the current government inherited deep structural problems from its predecessor.

“I don’t believe anyone can fix Nigeria in just four years, given the situation we’re in. But I do believe we’ll start to see real change within the next two years,” he concluded.