Ex-Kaduna LG chair Rabo defends minister against sack over nonperformance

A former chairman of Kagarko Local Government Area in Kaduna State, Nasara Rabo, has countered allegations of underperformance against the Minister of Environment, Mal. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, saying that the minister ranks top among those in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Government.

Rabo was responding to calls for the minister’s removal by the former National Youth Coordinator of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Nasiru Jagaba.

He dismissed Jagaba’s claims, pointing out that a thorough assessment of the Ministry of Environment’s policies, initiatives, and impact on environmental sustainability tells a different story.

He said that such calls for the removal of the Minister should be based on facts, not mere opinions.

According to him, “Jagaba, who once led SOKAPU’s youth wing, should understand the process of appointing and removing a Minister in Nigeria. The duties and functions of a Minister are clearly outlined in the Nigerian Constitution and the establishment acts of various ministries. Each minister operates based on budgetary provisions and presidential approvals.”

Rabo cited a recent ministerial performance ranking conducted by Hadiza Usman, Special Assistant to the President on Coordinating Ministries which highlighted Malam Abbas Lawal’s significant achievements in tackling deforestation, promoting renewable energy, and enforcing environmental protection laws.

“I would advise Jagaba to familiarize himself with the national and international programs and projects spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment before making calls for the Minister’s removal. The minister has introduced innovative initiatives, including waste management reforms and climate resilience strategies, earning widespread recognition from