Today, 28 ministerial nominees will present themselves, preparing for their likely challenging journey towards becoming designated ministers, pending their scrutiny by the Senate.
Last Thursday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dispatched a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, featuring the names of 28 ministerial nominees. According to the letter, more nominees are anticipated in the coming days, with the full cabinet expected to be installed within another two weeks.
The list includes notable figures such as Abubakar Momoh, Yusuf Maitama, Architect Dangiwa, and others. However, states like Lagos, Osun, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Gombe, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Yobe, and Zamfara were left out from the nomination list.
President Tinubu, elected over five months ago, held off on providing names of ministerial nominees until the final constitutionally mandated period, raising questions among pundits. Many Nigerians were surprised to see the list containing familiar faces who have been in power since 1999, rather than new technocratic figures.
Yet, there is hope that the second batch of nominees will consist of technocrats who can address Nigeria’s pressing issues. However, due to the political unrest across the country, it’s uncertain if Tinubu can select the most capable candidates.
In Lagos, it’s claimed Tinubu is struggling to decide among numerous conflicting interests. There’s also resistance against some choices in Ogun and Bayelsa for various reasons, showing the complexity of forming the new cabinet.
In Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, the APC leader, and former President Goodluck Jonathan are expected to reach a consensus despite their differences.
In Kano, an impasse persists between Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and ex-governor Abdullahi Ganduje. The resolution may involve granting Kano State two ministerial slots.
Kebbi State’s immediate-past governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, faces strong opposition. Despite supporting Tinubu, his inability to deliver his state to Tinubu and secure key National Assembly positions is hindering his nomination.
In Kogi, Governor Yahaya Bello and James Faleke are locked in a power struggle. Bello’s choice of a successor from his kinsmen has upset many, while Faleke is angling for a position in Tinubu’s administration.
Yobe State presents a rivalry between former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Governor Mai Mala Buni, and former senator Mohammed Hassan. All three are lobbying for ministerial nominations, despite varying degrees of support for Tinubu during the elections.
Zamfara State is in a unique situation, with former Senator Kabiru Marafa and ex-governor Bello Matawalle vying for a single slot.
As Senate confirmation hearings commence today, many anticipate intense scrutiny of nominees’ histories and personal lives. Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu emphasized that the process won’t be rushed and will be thorough, promising no preferential treatment. The Senate plans to scrutinize the character, experiences, and backgrounds of the nominees thoroughly.
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