President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained the reason for the constitution of a 48-member Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The president gave the reason yesterday while speaking when he received a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.
The president’s cabinet, which has the largest membership since 1999, has come under public condemnation at a time of economic downturn when the government is expected to save the cost of governance.
Tinubu called on Christian leaders to support the administration’s ongoing fight against corruption by encouraging Nigerians to have a change of mindset on money-related matters.
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“We have no other country but Nigeria. If you do not preach the sermon of understanding, tolerance, perseverance, and hope for Nigerians, you are doing damage to the country, and nobody will help us repair it.
“Let us dialogue because public condemnation of a nation is not what makes any citizen a good one. We must admonish Nigerians to have a change of mindset and not to make money our god or master. I believe we will get to the Promised Land, and Nigeria will flourish.
“We are here to listen, and if you observe any inadequacies in my government, let us know. I am here today because of your prayers and the will of God Almighty. What I have challenged myself to do each day is to be fair to all Nigerians. I have had a number of criticisms, including the rationale behind the size of my cabinet. If you want efficient, mobile, and resourceful people, we have to give people a load they can carry. If you combine too many ministries because you want to save money, you will have a future of non-performance and no results.
“Nigeria needs to turn the corner to grow, and we must give people challenges they can manage, and that is what we are doing,” the president stated in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale.
Tinubu, who expressed the commitment of his administration to continue to address corruption and other vices, said it was necessary to keep pursuing the fight against all forms of vices because it is a sacred duty to ensure that the country is set right for the prosperity of all Nigerians.
The president stressed the role of faith leaders in fostering unity and peace in the country.
In his remarks, Archbishop Okoh urged President Tinubu not to relent in his efforts to provide good governance by ensuring security, inclusivity, and peaceful co-existence in the country.