Get ready for a captivating political spectacle as the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, is set to reveal President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial list today (Thursday) during the plenary session.
Reports suggest that the much-awaited list has finally arrived at the National Assembly.
President Tinubu, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, has a constitutional window of 60 days to form his cabinet.
During Tinubu’s inauguration at the Eagle Square, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and close associate of the President, James Faleke, confidently stated that the former Lagos State governor would unveil his cabinet members within the stipulated 60-day timeframe. Faleke played a significant role as the APC Presidential Campaign Council Secretary and also represented Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives during the 10th National Assembly.
The timing of ministerial announcements has historically been a topic of debate in Nigerian politics. Many analysts have criticized the slow start of previous administrations, including that of Muhammadu Buhari, who handed over the presidency to Tinubu after eight years. Buhari took six months to unveil his cabinet after his 2015 inauguration. However, there is a strong expectation that Tinubu intends to take a different approach.
The 60-day constitutional deadline for Tinubu to submit his ministerial list to the National Assembly is set to expire on July 28, 2023, and rumors have been swirling about the potential candidates.
On July 6, 2023, the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Dele Alake, firmly dismissed them. Alake emphasized that the President would announce the cabinet list when he deems it appropriate and fitting, refuting media fabrications and reinforcing the executive nature of the presidency.
In the midst of this high-stakes political drama, various interest groups have urged the President to nominate their members as ministers, while others have issued warnings, threatening trouble within the APC if their demands are not met. Additionally, some have advised Tinubu against nominating specific individuals, further fueling the controversy.
Amidst all the speculation, there are emerging reports that President Tinubu has supposedly nominated Nyesom Wike, Nasir El-Rufai, Gboyega Oyetola, and Ben Ayade as ministers. The rumored list also includes other prominent names such as President Tinubu’s top aide, Dele Alake; Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Lateef Fagbemi; APC national woman leader, Dr. Betty Edu; former Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Wale Edun; ex-Minister of State for Health, Prof. Ali Pate; and former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Adebayo Adelabu, from Oyo State.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, revealed that President Tinubu personally assured him that the Ministerial List would be ready by Thursday, seeking Nigerians’ prayers for the right choices to be made.
As the clock ticks down to the unveiling of the ministerial list in the Senate, all eyes are on the floor to witness the revelation of the chosen candidates. Federal Character news pledges to keep you updated on every detail as this enthralling story unfolds, and we’ll soon discover if competency takes precedence over loyalty. So, grab your popcorn and drinks, as we anticipate potential fallout from those who might not find their names on the list.
