PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – Ripples are spreading through Nigeria’s political landscape following President Bola Tinubu’s unveiling of his 28-person ministerial nominees list.
A major point of contention is the nomination of former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who had previously vowed never to accept a ministerial position.
A video resurfaced and is making the rounds on social media in which Wike emphatically states his intention not to pursue a ministerial appointment after his gubernatorial tenure.
“Only one person can be a minister from a state; I will not be a minister. I will not. I am not a liability; Rivers State is an asset,” Wike stated in the video.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
The nomination list, which includes Wike and three other ex-governors among the 24 other nominees, was presented to the Senate on Thursday, July 27, 2023, by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
In his refusal video, Wike suggested that his refusal to accept a ministerial position was connected to his commitment to his state and its people.
“So if you don’t want to win an election, it’s your business. I’m not the one running the election. He who wears the shoes knows where it pinches him,” he said.
The controversy arising from the ministerial list now raises questions on Wike’s political stance, and the ripple effect is expected to reverberate through the political landscape in the coming weeks.
Public opinion is polarized, as Nigerians eagerly await to see if the former governor will stick to his word or accept the ministerial nomination.
Wike, Umahi, Badaru, Betty Edu Named as Senate Unveils Tinubu’s Ministerial List
After a tense period of anticipation, the Nigerian Senate unveiled its ministerial list on Thursday, July 27, 2023 revealing some surprising absences.
Those not included were former Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola and former Ben Ayade, despite prior speculations hinting at their inclusion.
On the other hand, notable personalities such as former Governors Nasiru El Rufai, Nyeson Wike, Dave Umahi, and Abubakar Badaru were included on the list.
The Senate resumed plenary slightly past noon and retreated into an executive session for about half an hour.
Following this, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the names during the plenary, after the Senate leader moved a motion under point of order 1(b) and (a) of the Senate’s rule book.
In quoting the orders, the Senate President stated, “1(a) the proceeding in the Senate and in all committees of the Senate shall be conducted by the following standing orders.” He continued with Order 1(b), which mandates that the Senate shall regulate its procedure through resolution in situations not provided for in these standing orders.
The Senate President clarified that he was invoking a standing order, specifically order 12(1)I, which permits former speakers and deputy speakers of the House of Representatives to be admitted into the chamber with the consent of the Senate. Akpabio approved this invocation, asking the leader to continue.
Subsequently, the Senate leader invited Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila, former speaker of the House of Representatives and current Chief of Staff to the President, to present the all-important ministerial list.
The Senate President confirmed this, saying, “The leader of the Senate had moved a motion in line with rule 12i of our standing order that this hallowed chamber do allow the former speaker of the House of Representatives and chief of staff to the President to have entry into the session and the minority leader has seconded this. I am pleased to announce to Nigerians that the President has sent the ministerial list.”
The list revealed the following names: Abubakar Momoh, Amb. Yusuf Maitama, Architect Dangiwa, Hanatu Musawa, Chief Uche Nnaji, Beta Edu, Doris Aniche, David Umahi, Nyesom Wike, Mohamed Badaru Abubakar, Nasir Elrufai, Ekperikpe Ekpo, Nkiru Onyejiocha, Olubumi Ojo, Stella Okotekpe, Uju Kennedy, Bello Mohammed Goroyo, Dele Alake, Lateef Fagbemi, Mohammed Idris, Edu Muhi, Wahid Adebayo, Imma Suleiman, Ali Pate, Joseph Utsev, Abubakar Kyari, John Eno, and Sani Abubakar Damladi.
This announcement marks the end of the suspense-filled period that had taken over Nigeria’s media space. As the newly announced ministers take on their roles, the country now looks forward to seeing their impact and contributions in the coming years.
