ABUJA, Nigeria — The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio was expected to reveal President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ministerial nominees on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, according to a high-level Senate source; however, hopes were dashed when this failed to happen.
The much-anticipated list is expected to indicate the new administration’s policy direction as Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, grapples with numerous challenges.
The source, who remains anonymous, disclosed the news via a WhatsApp message, saying that the list is currently with Magaji Tambuwal, the Clerk to the National Assembly, for delivery to the Senate President.
“The Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, will read H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Ministerial Nominee list on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday, July 19th, 2023,” the message stated.
President Tinubu’s decision to submit his nominees comes 50 days after he took office.
The paper cites sources within the presidency as revealing that the ministerial list was prepared in advance but underwent adjustments to ensure its effectiveness.
“Nigerians have been eagerly awaiting unveiling the ministerial list, leading to the circulation of various speculative lists in recent weeks. Nonetheless, President Tinubu has skillfully guarded his choices, leaving the public in suspense as to who will ultimately secure portfolios in the final list of cabinet members,” the report said.
As the political climate heats up, sources close to President Tinubu suggest that he aims to form a government that reflects national interests, across party lines and including opposition members.
They state that these considerations and additional consultations with key stakeholders from his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, have constantly modified the portfolios.
The source told journalists, “The list of ministerial nominees has been ready since, but the President had to make some changes in some states.”
With the constitutional deadline for ministerial nominations set for July 26, 2023, the timely release of this list signals Tinubu’s compliance with the law and his preparedness for governance.
It also allays the public’s anxiety about his ministerial nomination list.
Further nominations are expected after the initial deadline. “He will subsequently forward more names to the Senate for confirmation after the deadline,” the source added.
The official unveiling of the nominees will provide a clearer picture of the Tinubu administration’s approach to tackling Nigeria’s numerous challenges.
