Many Nigerians face disappointment over Tinubu's ministerial list

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Many Nigerians are likely to be disappointed when President Bola Tinubu unveils his cabinet nominees.

This is consequent upon his appointments so far in several places which give indications that he might insist on competence rather than political expediency.

Already, there is intense lobby of former governors, senators, and other bigwigs in the ruling All Progressives Congress, over ministerial appointments from President Bola Tinubu.

Indicattions are that some state chapters of the ruling party have already compiled names of persons for ministerial slots, especially since the list would be ready soon in line with the 60 days constitutionally guaranteed time limit.

Indeed, former President Muhammadu Buhari, on March 17, 2023, assented to a bill mandating the President and governors to submit the names of persons nominated as ministers or commissioners within 60 days of taking the oath of office.

Buhari signs amended bills that mandates Tinubu to name cabinet within 60 days – Daily Post Nigeria

The lists are subject to confirmation by the Senate and state House of Assembly, respectively. In line with this new order,

Of course, President Tinubu took the oath of office on May 29, 2023. He has less than 33 days left to present his ministerial nominees.

There are 27 ministries left vacant by the previous administration. These are:

Federal Capital Territory Administration

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

Ministry of Aviation

Ministry of Budget and National Planning

Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Ministry of Education

Ministry of Environment

Ministry of Finance

Ministry of Health

Ministry of Information and Culture

Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy

Ministry of Interior

Ministry of Justice

Ministry of Labour and Employment

Ministry of Petroleum Resources

Ministry of Water Resources

Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development

Ministry of Mines and Steel Development

Ministry of Defence

Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs

Ministry of Power

Ministry of Transportation.

Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development

Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation

Ministry of Youth and Sport

Ministry of Works and Housing

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

However, President Tinubu appears to be enjoying public acceptance following his recent appointments. There are, however, fears that party lobbyists may armtwist him in appointing competent Nigerians to office whether they are members of the ruling party or not.

Indications are that some of the party chieftains, including ex-governors and former lawmakers who lost out in the February 25 election, have been sighted frequenting the APC National Secretariat in the past few weeks. Their sudden appearances at the secretariat in the nation’s capital are being construed as an apparent jostling for ministerial positions.

Others did not show up in Abuja, but their names are strongly mentioned as likely candidates to appear on the ministerial list. This category includes former governors Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State, Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, and Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano.

Similarly, there are speculations that former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, currently a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, is contemplating defecting to the ruling party for a subsequent appointment.

States chapters of APC are also contending for slots as compensation for their contribution to Tinubu’s presidential victory.

The immediate past Senate Majority Leader, Senator Ibrahim Gobir, is being considered for a ministerial slot in Sokoto State, while party members in Osun State are rooting for the immediate past governor of the state, Gboyega Oyetola, to be named a minister.

But sources said President Tinubu is a man capable of making up his mind. The sources said many Nigerians would be disappointed at the end.

The sources vowed that Tinubu will have a good cabinet that will provide Nigerians with the desired level of governance.

Indeed, previous appointments made by the president so far are a good indicator of what to expect.

President Tinubu is not likely to disappoint Nigerians. Of course, he is not expected to spend the whole year looking for capable Nigerians for ministerial nominees.