BEFORE YOU POLICE THE GOVERNMENT, PUT YOUR OWN HOUSE IN ORDER: A CABINET RESHUFFLE IS NOT AN ADMISSION OF FAILURE

OPINION

By: Aliyu Idris, PhD

Political Scientist and a Lecturer

November 1st, 2026

There is something hypocritical about individuals who neglect their own responsibilities but suddenly become self-appointed watchdogs of government whenever an administrative decision is taken. The recent cabinet reshuffle in Kano State has brought this contradiction into sharp focus.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has the executive authority to reshuffle his commissioners in pursuit of effective governance. Cabinet changes are legitimate administrative decisions, not automatic evidence of failure, victimisation or political persecution. What matters is whether such decisions translate into improved performance and service delivery.

The redeployment of former Information Commissioner and Internal Afairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development should not become an unnecessary political controversy. It is another ministerial assignment, and his performance should be judged by the results he delivers, not by speculative interpretations of his transfer.

What deserves scrutiny is the hypocrisy of individuals who have shown little visible participation in government activities but suddenly claim superior knowledge of its internal affairs. Where were these self-appointed political advisers when constructive engagement, practical contributions and policy discussions were needed? Governance is not managed through armchair commentary, and criticism without facts is little more than political noise.

More embarrassing is the tendency to scrutinise another person’s responsibilities while conveniently overlooking one’s own shortcomings. Before questioning another institution’s performance, demonstrate that you have properly discharged the responsibilities entrusted to you. You cannot consistently evade accountability at home while demanding perfection elsewhere.

My advice to my colleague is direct: watch your steps, put your house in order and concentrate on delivering your own responsibilities. Do not mistake your freedom to comment for immunity from scrutiny.

Before you point fingers at another man’s house, make sure yours is not on fire. Do not spend your time policing the government while your own responsibilities are crying for attention.