Doris Uzoka-Anite, the former Minister of State for Finance, was in the middle of a carefully planned investment and diplomatic mission in Washington, D.C. when news of her reassignment in a cabinet reshuffle began to reach her.

 

At first, the reports appeared implausible. Like many political rumours that frequently circulate in Abuja, the information was initially dismissed as fake news.

 

Uzoka-Anite had spent several days in high-level meetings aimed at attracting foreign investment to Nigeria and strengthening relations with the administration of Donald Trump. The trip had reportedly received the personal approval of President Bola Tinubu.

 

However, as calls and messages continued to flood in, the situation became clearer. While she was still representing Nigeria abroad and carrying out a presidential assignment, President Tinubu had reassigned her portfolio as part of a surprise cabinet reshuffle back home.

 

The timing reportedly surprised both Nigerian officials and their American counterparts, some of whom were in the process of arranging additional high-level meetings for Uzoka-Anite and her delegation when the news emerged.