News
Ministerial portfolios of ‘square pegs in round holes’
By Ehichioya Ezomon
If some Nigerians were sad about the kind of nominees President Bola Tinubu picked for his cabinet, many more were heavy-hearted over the portfolios assigned to the ministers.
The composition of the cabinet was a mis-match in relation to some of the ministers’ educational and professional attainments and development, and experiences on the job over the years.
Hence Nigerians deployed words, such as depression, despondency, disappointment, discontent, disenchantment, displeasure, dismay, disillusionment, and dissatisfaction, to express their feelings over Tinubu’s allocation of portfolios to the ministers.
The President – touted as the best head-hunter among his peer-governors between 1999 and 2007 – was expected to be different from his predecessors in uninspiring appointments and allocation of portfolios.
Many had hoped Tinubu would bring his famed pedigree of selecting ‘A List’ administrators in Lagos State to bear at the federal level, to tackle the myriad socio-economic problems challenging Nigerians in his under three-month-old government.
Unlike the expeditious removal of petrol subsidy and floating of the Naira that sent prices of goods and services sky-high across all sectors – with the government struggling to provide palliatives to cushion the effects – the ministerial list was late in coming because of the President’s hedging.
Pre-his inauguration on May 29, Tinubu’s presented as single-minded and “uncrackable” under whatever guise. And he lived up to that billing from the primaries through the campaigns and election, and the transition to assuming power.
He topped his “invincibility” with some bold policies on subsidy removals and floating of the Naira. That’s why it’s befuddling that the President hid from lobbyists – “to avoid undue influence” – in rolling out a list of ministers that would satisfy expectations of Nigerians.
Tinubu, speaking through Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti Central) on July 25, even asked Senators, under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Nigerians for prayers, to direct his thoughts and decisions aright.
The President’s words: “Let me tell you, and you must encourage me. I need to make myself unavailable for the next 48 hours because a correspondence must come to the Senate, a very crucial correspondence.
“So, Mr (Senate) President, pray for me. You should tell the rest of Nigerians to pray for me, to be able to make the right decision within the next 24 hours.”
Still, many had thought Tinubu would break with the Nigerian “protocol,” and start to tease up his ministerial nominees piecemeal – along with their portfolios – as is the practice in diverse countries, particularly in the United States.
Before the list gets to Parliament, informed citizens would’ve known and “scrutinised” the nominees for the portfolios to be assigned to them. This aids the work of the legislators in approving the nominees.
Though it creates more drama and anticipation, involement of the public in “vetting” nominees helps to expose their quality in terms of character, capacity, competence and experience, and their fit for designated portfolios.
And it’s easier to get people’s buy-in into government’s policies and programmes if given the chance to assist in shaping the content of the cabinet.
So, delaying, and hoarding the ministerial list that he presented in two batches didn’t seem to help the President – nor meet the expectations of Nigerians – when he submitted the first batch of 28 nominees on July 27 to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
It’s the same yawns and sighs when Tinubu released the second batch of nominees dominated by former Governors, party chieftains and personalities hardly known to Nigerians as capable of delivering on the job.
Nigerians had something to say – positive or negative – about the list. But generally, they gave the President some leeway, hoping he’d rectify observed “anomalies” in the list at the stage of assigning portfolios to the ministers.
But what did Nigerians see when Tinubu allocated portfolios to 45 of 48 ministers? Many classified it as “putting square pegs in round holes,” with some ministers lacking the requisite professionalism, competency and experience!
They argued it wasn’t markedly different from former President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet – formed after a six-month delay – with the ministers majorly as low picks, resulting in gross failure of many on the job.
Tinubu’s reasons for allocating the respective portfolios, but peruse below and evaluate if the President’s passed his acclaimed head-hunting ability to assemble the “very best” for his cabinet:
Nyesom Wike (Lawyer/Rivers), Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Dave Umahi (Civil Engineer/Ebonyi), Minister of Works. Adegboyega Oyetola (lnsurer/Osun), Minister of Transportation. Mohammed Badaru (Accountant/Jigawa),
Minister of Defence. Bello Matawalle (Teacher/Zamfara), Minister of State, Defence. Atiku Bagudu (Economist/Kebbi), Minister of Budget and Economic Planning. Ibrahim Geidam (Accountant/Yobe), Minister of Police Affairs. Simon Lalong (Lawyer/Plateau), Minister of Labour and Employment.
Wale Edun (Economist/Ogun), Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN (Lawyer/Kwara), Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. Sa’Idu A. Alkali (Economist/Gombe), Minister of Interior. Yusuf M. Tuggar (Prof.-Int’l Relations/Bauchi), Minister of Foreign Affairs. Ali Pate (Prof.-Medical Doctor/Bauchi), Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Tahir Maman, SAN (Prof.-Lawyer/Adamawa), Minister of Education. Muhammed Idris (English-Media Owner/Niger), Minister of Information and National Orientation Zephaniah Jisalo (Educationist/FCT), Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Govermental Affairs. Festus Keyamo, SAN (Lawyer/Delta), Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. Shuaibu A Audu (System Analyst/Kogi), Minister of Steel Development. Doris Anite (Medical Doctor-Financial Expert/Imo), Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. Uche Nnaji (Politician/Enugu), Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology. Bunmi Tunji (Electronics-Communications Engineer/Ondo), Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. Bosun Tijani Ph.D (Economist-Systems Developer/Lagos), Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. Adedayo Adelabu (Accountant/Oyo), Minister of Power. Ahmed M. Dangiwa (Architect/Katsina),
Minister of Housing and Urban Development.
Dele Alake (Pol. Scientist-Journalist Ekiti), Minister of Solid Minerals Development.
Lola Ade-John (Computer-System Analyst/Lagos), Minister of Tourism. Joseph Utsev (Prof.-Civil-Water Engineer/Benue), Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation. Abubakar Kyari (Business Admin/Borno), Minister of Agriculture and Food Security. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye (Lawyer/Anambra), Minister of Women Affairs. Abubakar Momoh (Civil Engineer/Edo), Minister of Youth. Betta Edu Ph.D (Medical Doctor/Cross River), Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. John Enoh (Pharmacologist/Cross River), Minister of Sports Development. Hannatu Musawa
(Lawyer/Katsina), Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy.
Yusuf T. Sununu (Medical Doctor/Kebbi), Minister of State, Education. Nkiruka Onyejeocha (Shipper/Abia), Minister of State, Labour and Employment. Ekperikpe Ekpo (Politician/Akwa Ibom), Minister of State, Gas Resources. Heineken Lokpobiri Ph.D (Lawyer/Bayelsa), Minister of State, Petroleum Resources. Abdullahi T. Gwarzo (Textile Engineer/Kano), Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development. Ishak Salako (Medical Doctor/Ogun), Minister of State, Environment and Ecological Management.
Tunji Alausa (Medical Doctor/Lagos), Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (Vet. Doctor/Niger), Minister of Sta
te, Agriculture and Food Security. Mairiga Mahmoud Ph.D (Lawyer/Kano), Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory. Bello M. Goronyo (Lawyer/Sokoto), Minister of State, Water Resources and Sanitation. Maigari Ahmadu (Lawyer/Taraba), Minister of State, Steel Development. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim (Sociologist/Nasarawa), Minister of State, Police Affairs.
Except three slots – and the Petroleum Resources portfolio – the President’s done with the cabinet. What remains is for the ministers to justify the confidence Tinubu’s reposed in them, and discharge their duties to the expectations of Nigerians!
Mr Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.
**Calls for reversal of the ill-informed Move by the House of reps
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has Condemned the attempt by the House of Representatives to refer Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and other members to the Committee On Ethics for probe over their Solidarity Visit to the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Fifty members of the House of Representatives hadq paid a solidarity visit to the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to celebrate his one year in office.
The lawmakers, who consist of members of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), Labour Party ( LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party ( NNPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) also include the spokesman of opposition coalition, in the House, Ikenga Ugochinyere..
Ugochinyere had explained on the sideline of the thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt that federal lawmakers were in Rivers to solidarilize with Fubara and celebrate with him on his one year of transformational leadership.
But the House had referred the Honourable members to the Committee on Ethics for disciplinary action over their visit
However, the chairman,
Media Committee of the
Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) Chief Barr. Chukwudi Ezeobika in a statement has tackled the leadership of the House for the action which he said clearly cast doubt on its integrity in the observance and or adherence to the laws which they enact/promulgate.
“Relying on the point of order/ privilege raised by Yusuf Gagdi of the All Progressives Congress, Plateau State to arrive at such decision is erroneous and grossly misleading.
“The House, by this very action, has impugned on the integrity and sacredness of Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) especially Sections 39 and 40 which guarantee Freedom of Expression and the Press as well as that of Peaceful Assembly and Association respectively.
“We, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), hereby call on the leadership of the House of Representatives to, without further delay retract its ongoing steps in the purported probe of these Honourable members by its Ethics Committee and not engage in any act that may violate the fundamental rights of its members or any member of the public.
the Kano State Police Command has countered reports that Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero will lead Jumma’t Prayers at Kofar Kudu Central Mosque, Kano, where Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, Emir of Kano, leading prayer at the moment.
The reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, have been laying claim to the throne, creating confusion in the city.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had dethroned Ado Bayero and asked him to hand over within 48 hours.
But the dethroned monarch in defiance returned to the town under military protection and has been operating from the mini palace since then.
In a statement by Abdullahi Kiyawa, spokesman of Kano Police Command, said, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc further assured that all necessary security arrangements have been made for Alhaji Aminu Bayero to observe his Jummah Prayers in the Mosque where he lives at the Nasarawa Palace.
“The CP also assured that the Police and all other state security agencies will provide adequate security at the Palace where Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is expected to observe his Jumma’at Prayers.
“Members of the public are therefore advised to ignore the false reports and misinformation circulating on social media and to go about their activities without fear of molestation or intimidation assuring that the Police will continue to provide the necessary security for ensuring that residents observe their Friday congressional prayers peacefully and without threats to their lives and property.”
The emirate tussle has continued to linger since the reinstatement of Sanusi and dissolution of the five emirates.
There have been cnflicting court orders for and against
Based on the conflicting orders, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kayode Ariwoola, had summoned the head of the Federal High high Court and Kano Chief Judge.
The Police statement reads,
KANO STATE POLICE COMMAND
31ST MAY, 2024
The Kano State Police Command is hereby advising all residents to disregard the false information circulating on social media that Emir Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero will lead Jumma’t Prayers at Kofar Kudu Central Mosque, Kano.
2. The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc further assured that all necessary security arrangements have been made for Alhaji Aminu Bayero to observe his Jummah Prayers in the Mosque where he lives at the Nasarawa Palace.
3. The CP also assured that the Police and all other state security agencies will provide adequate security at the Palace where Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is expected to observe his Jumma’at Prayers.
4. Members of the public are therefore advised to ignore the false reports and misinformation circulating on social media and to go about their activities without fear of molestation or intimidation assuring that the Police will continue to provide the necessary security for ensuring that residents observe their Friday congressional prayers peacefully and without threats to their lives and property.
SP ABDULLAHI HARUNA KIYAWA, ANIPR, MNISMA,
POLICE PUBLIC RELATONS OFFICER,
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, KANO STATE COMMAND.
As the royal turbulence continue to shake the foundation of the city of Kano, the ancient city is tension soaked as the two contending Emirs- the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, have indicated their determination to hold Jumaat prayers at the Palace Central Mosque.
A press statement issued Thursday night, signed by Danburan Kano, Munir Sanusi Bayero, spelt out the itinerary of the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to the Mosque to lead the Jumaat Prayers.
The statement explained that Emir Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, who resides in the Palace, and is closer to the contending Mosque, is expected to lead the two rakat Friday prayers.
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II has been leading the Jumaat Prayers at the Palace Central Mosque as the Amir of the City, a statement explained.
The statement by Danburan invited Kano residents to come and listen to the sermon to be delivered by the Emir Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II.
However, another statement from an aide of the deposed Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero invited residents to join him at the Emir’s Palace Friday Mosque to observe the Juma’at prayer.
It stated that the movement to the Emir’s Palace Mosque starts at 12.30 pm.
However, the police are yet to comment on the development.
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