Concern, skepticism, and disappointment surround the first batch of 28 ministerial nominees submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Senate, as ex-governors and former legislators form the majority.
Sent on July 27, 2023, under the title ‘Request for Confirmation of Ministerial Nominees’, this list was announced at a Senate plenary by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. It implores the Senate to swiftly confirm the nominees, allowing for the constitution of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The list was presented days before the expiration of the constitutionally required 60-day period within which President Tinubu was to submit his nominees list to the Senate, a mandate instated on March 17, 2023, by President Muhammadu Buhari to prevent the delay witnessed in 2015.
Analysts expecting technocrats expressed disappointment at the politician-heavy list, questioning if it was the best the President could put forth after 60 days. Notable among the nominees are ex-governors Nyesom Wike, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, David Umahi, and Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, and several former legislators.
This has sparked speculation about the intentions behind these nominations, with many expressing worry about continuity of the status quo. Critics argue whether these nominees were chosen for their possible significant contributions to President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ or as a reward for aiding his victory in the February 25, 2023, Presidential election.
Indeed, some of these former governors significantly contributed to Tinubu’s election victory, which led to further speculation that their nomination was a form of payback. Anthony Kila, a Professor of Strategy and Development, shares this perspective, expressing disappointment and pointing out the potential strategic reasons behind these nominations.
Observers don’t anticipate much change in the second batch of ministerial nominees and there’s criticism regarding the integrity of some nominees. Despite these criticisms, President Tinubu is required by Section 147(3) of the 1999 Constitution to appoint at least one minister from each state, which means more nominations are forthcoming.
Goddy Uwazurike, President of the Cultural Credibility Development Initiative, expressed strong disappointment at the ministerial nominees, citing a lack of integrity and credibility. He was particularly critical of the inclusion of ex-governors with problematic track records.
Another lawyer, Richardson Onyebueke, agreed, describing the list as a disappointing array of old, failed politicians, adding that the administration seemed to lack novelty.
However, the list had some supporters among leaders of sociocultural organizations, who viewed it as a mix of good and bad. Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, of the Coalition of Northern Groups, praised some nominees for their intellect while expressing concern about others carrying political baggage. Despite certain criticisms, the President of Pan Niger Delta Forum, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, and Secretary-General of Yoruba Council of Elders, Oladipo Oyewole, spoke positively about the nominees’ potential contributions to Nigeria’s development.
Contrarily, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, President of the Middle Belt Forum, condemned the inclusion of certain ex-governors, labeling them insensitive.
Regardless of public opinion, Prince Adewole Adebayo, a Presidential candidate in the 2023 election, emphasized that the list ultimately reflects President Tinubu’s prerogatives. The role of the Senate, according to him, is simply to confirm that the nominees meet constitutional requirements and possess no ethical or moral complications.
Adebayo Adeolu, a public affairs analyst, acknowledged the ethnic and religious diversity of the list but criticized it for its over-reliance on old politicians and their descendants. He called for increased focus on the Senate’s screening process and the president’s role in making appointments. Adeolu also stressed the need for Nigerians to demand good governance.
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