New twist as Osinbajo's aide reveals ministries Tinubu should clarify their roles

Laolu Akande, the former senior special assistant on media and publicity to former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately address the issue of duplications in the portfolios of his new ministers.

Speaking on Channels Television on Friday morning, August 25, the former presidential aide said portfolios such as innovation and social development would lead to friction among the ministers if they are not immediately addressed.

According to Akande: “We have the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy. That has to be sorted out.”

He stressed that it was important for President Tinubu to clarify the portfolios, adding that it would prevent possible clashes between ministers and ministries.

Reform civil servant now, Osinbajo's aide tells Tinubu

The former spokesperson to Osinbajo further urged President Tinubu to embark on comprehensive reforms of the civil servant, noting that it should be a priority in his government.

According to Akande, the emphasis should be on the performance-based evaluation system in Tinubu's government. He said clear measures should be developed to measure and assess the performance of civil servants in relation to career advancement.

Akande served as presidential aide between 2015-2019 and 2019-2023 to the immediate vice president, Osinbajo.

Had a useful discussion this morning @channelstv where we raised a few important issues including need to clarify where Innovation as a portfolio would be based, & also called for further public enunciation on Social Welfare which has now been added to Health portfolio. Engaging pic.twitter.com/BFBfto1xbi

— Laolu Akande (@akandeoj) August 25, 2023