Eshanakpe Israel, also known as Akpodoro, the Mayor of Urhoboland and former militant leader, has taken a swipe at some of President Bola Tinubu’s ministers, accusing them of being uncommunicative and invisible to the public.
In a statement during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, the President of the National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators (NCNDE-A) criticized the ministers for their lack of engagement with the citizens and supporters of the government.
Akpodoro said many of Tinubu’s appointees are only recognized via internet searches, as they rarely communicate with the public or actively promote the administration’s achievements.
“The ministers are only known through Google Search because they don’t talk or appear in public,” he said.
Akpodoro, a staunch supporter of President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” expressed his concern that many of the ministers are underperforming and have distanced themselves from the people.
He noted that their silence has created a communication vacuum, allowing damaging rumours to spread unchecked and negatively impacting the government’s popularity.
“The administration has done well, but its appointees are keeping mute, giving room for damaging rumours, which make the government unpopular because citizens lack information,” Akpodoro pointed out.
He added that these ministers rarely respond to calls or messages, creating a barrier for those seeking to help the government.
“They won’t work and won’t allow public-spirited individuals to support the government. They hardly take calls or respond to text messages.
“They are not loyal and patriotic to the government and should give way for those with reformative, innovative ideas and capacity for interaction with the people,” Akpodoro continued.
The ex-militant leader supported recent calls for President Tinubu to reshuffle his cabinet, advocating for a more dynamic and responsive team of ministers.
“They are not marketing the administration but are sleeping on duty,” he said.
He called for immediate changes in government communication strategies to reflect the administration’s successes in various sectors.
“Our love and passion for this administration turned us into evangelists of the Renewed Hope Agenda. We believe in President Tinubu’s government and will continue to support its policies,” Akpodoro concluded.