Former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, has highlighted the lack of effective coordination in governance as a key challenge facing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on Sunrise Daily on Thursday, Akande addressed several critical issues, including the performance of the Nigerian armed forces and the need for constructive contributions from Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.
Responding to recent remarks by Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who suggested he would refrain from commenting on federal government reforms, Akande urged the former Central Bank Governor to reconsider.
“The first is to say to the Emir that there are many of us who admire his sense of patriotism and who also value the substance of his contributions. So, we wouldn’t want him to keep silent,” Akande said.
Acknowledging the Emir’s close relationship with President Tinubu and other key government officials, Akande described him as a “Lagos man,” emphasizing the Emir’s unique position to offer constructive criticism and guidance.
“Like the Emir himself said, he’s friendly with the people in government starting from the president all the way,” Akande noted.
Akande refuted claims that the administration lacked competent individuals, arguing instead that the real issue was poor coordination at the highest levels of government.
“I don’t think this government doesn’t have people of pedigree. I think the problem is there has been a failure, a massive failure of coordination,” he stated.
He called on President Tinubu to prioritize internal organization by holding key officials accountable for their responsibilities.
“The president needs to sit down with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and his Chief of Staff and say, ‘What’s going on?’ Those are the two people responsible for coordination of government business. The president cannot be the one running around to ensure there is enforcement of presidential directives,” Akande explained.
Highlighting the importance of coordination in effective governance, Akande added, “Coordination is the very essence that produces effective communication.”
Akande began by acknowledging the efforts of the Nigerian armed forces in combating insecurity but expressed concern over recurring operational mishaps, including tragic instances of “friendly fire.”
“This is a very serious challenge that the Nigerian armed forces have been dealing with over a fairly sustained period of time, to the extent that we still have it over and again. That is problematic. I am also troubled by the losses of lives. Life is something that you cannot take back,” Akande stated.
He lauded the military for increasing its tempo in tackling bandits and terrorists, noting that their efforts have given the adversaries a “very hard, difficult time.” However, he urged the forces to be more meticulous in their operations to avoid preventable errors.
“We need to urge them to be much more painstaking to avoid these ‘friendly fires,’” he added.
Akande also emphasized the importance of transparency in military investigations, arguing that publicizing findings would enhance accountability and institutional trust.
“The investigations the armed forces have commenced should be thoroughly done and shared with the public. Some of our leaders think making things public will expose inefficiencies, but sunlight is the best disinfectant. It will raise awareness,” he remarked.
