ABUJA, NIGERIA – As President Bola Tinubu finalises his ministerial list, several politicians who believed their close relationships with him would secure them positions might be in for a shock, according to investigative sources.
The President will likely rely on security reports on potential nominees, which have been sent to various agencies for pre-screening.
The President was expected to submit his ministerial list to the Senate before July 27, 2023, which marks the end of the 60-day deadline stipulated by law.
However, as of Sunday, July 16, 2023, 48 days since his May 29, 2023, inauguration, the ministerial nominees have not yet been submitted, possibly leading to a delay in the planned summer recess for the senators.
Our sources revealed that although the President has forwarded a number of names to security agencies for clearance, this does not guarantee their inclusion in the final list.
An inundation of nominations from politicians, party stalwarts, professionals, and others interested in joining the administration has prompted President Tinubu to rely on the results of security screenings, which have reached an advanced stage.
An anonymous source indicated that, “Corrupt politicians, indicted individuals and others who are showing eagerness to be part of this government will be shocked when they see the security reports on them.
If they are adamant on serving, I think there are senators from such individuals’ states that will raise objections to their clearance on the floor of the Senate.”
Two former governors under corruption charges may be among those surprised by their exclusion from the list, despite their perceived contributions to President Tinubu’s electoral victory.
Further speculation suggests that former Lagos State governor Akinwumi Ambode may be set for political rehabilitation under Tinubu’s administration.
Ambode, who was denied a second term as governor and replaced by Babatunde Sanwo-Olu, has recently been in contact with the President, sparking rumors of a potential new role.
“There are possibilities that the former governor will get a position either in the Presidency or in the state if permutations work well in his favour,” a source commented, suggesting that Lagos East Senator, Tokunbo Abiru, could be appointed as a minister, with Ambode taking his place in the Senate.
It was also learned that Wale Edun, who has been named as the Special Adviser to the President on Monetary Policies, could be nominated as a minister representing Ogun State.
Edun’s case was reportedly one of the issues discussed during President Tinubu’s recent visit to Ogun State traditional rulers.
“Edun’s case was one of the issues the President discussed with Ogun State traditional rulers when he visited them a few weeks ago,” another source disclosed.
President Tinubu’s official spokesman, Dele Alake, recently confirmed that the ministerial list is still in the works.
“When the President is good and ready, you will be the first to know his intentions,” he stated.
