Barring any last-minute change, former Kaduna State Governor Nasiru El-Rufai, his Rivers State counterpart Nyesom Wike, and eminent medical scholar Ali Pate have reportedly made it to the list of ministerial nominees forwarded to the Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Also nominated for cabinet positions are legal luminary Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), economist Olawale Edun, banker Adebayo Adelabu, former Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader Mrs. Betta Edu, Senator Ben Ayade, and eminent journalist Dele Alake, who is currently the Special Adviser on Media, Strategy, and Special Duties.
A Senate source said the President 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 list is a blend of politicians and technocrats, the source added.
However, the source could not confirm whether the list had portfolios. He could not also confirm the number of nominees.
However, the source said the list reflected the national character and outlook of the President and the ruling party.
President Tinubu had hinted about setting up a government of inclusion and competence after assuming the reins.
He said experienced ministers will drive his ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda in the national interest.
Despite keeping the list to his chest, 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.
Indeed, prominent party leaders close to the President emphasized the need to nominate patriotic, committed, and experienced people without baggage.
DailyNews24 reports that during his 60th birthday in Abuja two days ago, Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, hinted that the President would forward the list to the Senate in the next 48 hours.
He told dignitaries at the occasion that President Tinubu, who was expected as the father of the day, could not attend the ceremony because he was busy drawing up the list.
Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central District in the Senate, also said President Tinubu has not attended any public event since Monday because he was putting the finishing touches to the list.
The Senate Leader 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 be held next week.
The Nation
