The list of ministerial nominations sent to the Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu includes the former governor of Kaduna State Nasiru El-Rufai, his counterpart from Rivers State Nyesom Wike, and renowned medical researcher Ali Pate, it was learned this morning.
All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader Mrs. Betta Edu, Senator Ben Ayade, economist Olawale Edun, banker Adebayo Adelabu, former Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, legal legend Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and renowned journalist Dele Alake, who is currently the Special Adviser on Media, Strategy, and Special Duties, are also up for cabinet positions.
In accordance with the constitutional requirement that the list reach the National Assembly within 60 days of the president’s inauguration, a Senate source said the President delivered the list to Senate President Godswill Akpabio this morning.
According to the source, there are both politicians and technocrats on the list.
The insider was unable to confirm whether the list included portfolios, though. He was unable to ascertain the number of nominees as well.
The source did claim that the list represented the President and the ruling party’s national character and viewpoint.
After taking office, President Tinubu has made suggestions on forming an inclusive and capable administration.
In the interest of the country, he claimed that seasoned ministers will lead his ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
Even though he kept the list secret, it was learned that it was created after extensive consultations with members of the ruling APC National Caucus, the Progressive Governors’ Forum, other key party leaders, and other stakeholders.
In fact, well-known party figures close to the President stressed the need of nominating patriotic, devoted, experienced, and baggage-free candidates.
Pate, a professor of medicine at Harvard, served as the Minister of State for Health during the failed Jonathan Administration. He will probably hold the Health portfolio, according to a source.
Wike, a lawyer, former minister of state for education, and ardent supporter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), served as the group’s chairman and spearheaded opposition to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s bid for the presidency.
Former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister El-Rufai served as the chairman of the APC Panel on Restructuring. He might be assigned to the Power Ministry, claims the source.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Fagbemi is from Ijagbo in Kwara State.
Former Lagos Finance Commissioner Edun presently serves as the President’s Special Advisor on Monetary Policy.
Between 2018 through 2022, Oyetola, a finance expert, served as governor of Osun State.
Former Cross Rivers State Health Commissioner Dr. Edu is the APC Women Leader.
Before taking office as governor, microbiology professor Ayade was a senator.
Adelabu, the Oyo State nominee, left his position as deputy governor of the central bank. He ran for governor in the most recent general election under the banner of the Accord Party.
Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele made a suggestion that the President will send the list to the Senate within the next 48 hours while celebrating his 60th birthday in Abuja two days ago.
He informed the dignitaries present that President Tinubu, the ceremony’s presumed father, was unable to attend since he was busy compiling the guest list.
Senator Bamidele, who represents the Ekiti Central District, added that President Tinubu hasn’t gone to any public events since Monday because he was polishing the list.
Nigerians were exhorted by the Senate Leader to pray for the President in this matter.
Additionally, the Senate postponed its holiday last week to give senators time to review the nominees’ lists and conduct interviews.
The insider claims that the nominee screening will probably take place the following week.