it was learnt this morning, Thursday 17, 2023, that names of prominent Nigerians are found in the ministerial nominee list submitted to the Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A Senate source said President Tinubu forwarded the list to Senate President Godswill Akpabio this morning, in line with the constitutional provision that the list should get to the National Assembly within 60 days after the presidential inauguration.
The names on the list are a blend of politicians and technocrats, the source added. However, the source could neither confirm whether the list had portfolios nor the number of nominees
Before now, President Tinubu had hinted about setting up a government of inclusion and competence after assuming office. He said experienced ministers will drive his ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda in the national interest.
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Despite keeping the list confidential for a while, it was gathered that it was drawn following wider consultations with members of the ruling APC National Caucus, the Progressive Governors’ Forum, other top party leaders and relevant stakeholders. Prominent party leaders close to the President emphasized the need to nominate patriotic, committed and experienced persons.
Pate, a Harvard professor of medicine, is a former Minister of State (Health) in the defunct Jonathan Administration. A source said he is likely to hold the Health portfolio.
Wike, lawyer, former Minister of State for Education, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, was the leader of the aggrieved G-5, which opposed the presidential ambition of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
El-Rufai, a former Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), headed the APC Panel on Restructuring. According to the source, he may be assigned to the Power Ministry.
Fagbemi, who hails from Ijagbo, Kwara State, is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Edun, one-time Lagos Finance Commissioner, is currently Special Adviser to the President on Monetary Policy.
Oyetola, a financial expert, was governor of Osun State between 2018 and 2022.
The APC Women Leader, Dr. Edu, is a former Health Commissioner in Cross Rivers State.
Ayade, a professor of microbiology, has served as Senator before he became governor.
The nominee from Oyo State, Adelabu, retired as Central Bank Deputy Governor. In the last general election, he contested for governor on the platform of the Accord Party.
The Senate President urged Nigerians to pray for the President over the task.
Also, last week, the Senate postponed its recess to enable senators to receive the list and screen the nominees.
According to the source, the screening of nominees is likely to commence next week.
