Baba Yusuf, a strategist and policy analyst, has expressed worry over the recurring trend of appointing former governors as ministers in successive governments since the advent of democracy in 1999.

By Daniel Edu

Yusuf finds it concerning that a significant number of former governors are being included in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, especially considering the less-than-adequate performance records of some of them.

He stated, “From my perspective, judging by the composition of the ministerial lists, there’s a high likelihood that this administration might once again be influenced by a combination of former governors, current governors, and ex-ministers.”

Yusuf’s concerns are rooted in the fact that a trend of appointing former governors as cabinet members has persisted across administrations in Nigeria since the return of democracy.

Starting from the era of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the tenure of Muhammadu Buhari, more than 24 former governors have been appointed as ministers in various capacities within their administrations.

Recently, President Bola Tinubu nominated nine former governors to be part of his cabinet.

Following the resumption of democratic governance in 1999, former President Olusegun Obasanjo included two ex-governors, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Cornelius Adebayo, in his cabinet.

Subsequently, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua’s administration had three ex-governors – Achike Udenwa, Sam Egwu, and Adamu Aliero – serving as ministers.

Similarly, during President Buhari’s tenure, ten ex-governors assumed ministerial roles. This group included individuals like Chris Ngige, Kayode Fayemi, Babatunde Fashola, Rotimi Amaechi, and others.

In his own ministerial lineup, Tinubu presented nine former governors among the 48 names submitted to the National Assembly for screening.

The nine governors who have successfully undergone Senate ministerial screenings include David Umahi, Nyesom Wike, Mohammed Badaru, Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufai (awaiting confirmation), Adegboyega Oyetola, Atiku Bagudu, Bello Matawalle, Ibrahim Geidam, and Simon Bako Lalong.

Expanding on his concerns, Yusuf emphasized to Daily Trust that “My fear is that we might witness a situation similar to President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, where powerful factions within the inner circle of the president’s advisors held significant sway over policy decisions, often negatively impacting Nigeria’s socio-economic wellbeing.”

“Evidently, these power factions seemed more concerned about their own interests rather than those of Nigeria and its people. Furthermore, the current list is a reflection of the growing influence of governors in Nigeria’s political landscape.”

Yusuf raised pertinent questions about the positive contributions that former governors, who had limited impact on the socio-economic development of their states, could make during Tinubu’s administration – a critical period in Nigeria’s history, akin to the post-Civil War era of 1964.

He concluded, “The concerns shared by individuals like me revolve around the ability to offer what one doesn’t possess. While a few former governors stand out for their performance and positive impact on their states, it’s undeniable that many of them left much to be desired during their governorships.”

“I worry for Nigeria if this is the path we continue to tread. The President must take proactive measures to ensure accountability within the Federal Executive Council, prioritizing effective governance. Those unable to deliver should be replaced, if possible.”