President Muhammadu Buhari will
any time soon announce the much-anticipated rejig of his cabinet.
Buhari has not effected a major
reshuffle since he unveiled his ‘Change Team’ exactly two years ago.
It was gathered that eight new
ministers are being shortlisted.
The development followed disquiet
in the All Progressives Congress (APC) over failure of the president to
adequately compensate top stalwarts in his previous key appointments.
Those to be appointed are all
likely to be politicians from across the six geo-political zones.
Buhari is also considering a
proposal to restructure some of the ministries.
Ministry of Transportation under
the leadership of former Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi, may be split.
If this happens, a new minister will be brought in to head Marine
Transportation.
Amaechi may be appointed Minister
of Rail Transportation while Hadi Sirika, current Minister of State (Aviation)
may be promoted to full Minister of Aviation.
Police Affairs may be removed
from the Ministry of Interior currently headed by Abdulrahman Dambazau.
Minister of State for Petroleum
Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, may be redeployed to the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs. His replacement will step in but continue to report Buhari, who may
hold on to the position of full minister.
Furthermore, Ministry of Power,
Works and Housing currently headed by former Lagos state governor, Babatunde
Fashola, may be split into three.
Fashola is expected to lead
Ministry of Works and Roads Infrastructure.
A new appointee from the
North-east will be sent to the Ministry of Housing, while an appointee from
either the North-central or the South-east will get Ministry of Power.
It was gathered the President
Buhari will give one of the eight fresh slots to APC national leader, Asiwaju
Bola Tinubu.
It formed part of the discussion
the duo had during when the former Lagos state governor visited Aso Rock villa
a fortnight ago.
‘Jagaban’, as fondly called,
lost out in ministerial appointments as Buhari selected Fashola and former
Ekiti governor, Kayode Keyamo, his estranged political godsons.
Buhari picked Fashola, chairman
of APC 2015 presidential fundraising committee, ahead of Tinubu’s choice, Yemi
Cardoso, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning.
Another slot will likely go to
former Kano state governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.
“The reason for this is clear;
Lagos and Kano have a population of around 45 million and highest votes”, a
source told our correspondent.
“The expansion of federal cabinet
will happen, no doubt about this. In fact, it is what virtually every party
stalwart has beenn clamouring for.
“And on this issue of more
appointments, the president has given his word privately and publicly. He will
fulfil his promise”.
Buhari recently hinted about the
new appointments.
“Last year, I said we would
re-constitute the Boards of Parastatals. I must regret the fact that we have
not done so, for many reasons”, he said at the party’s National Executive
meeting in Abuja.
“Some of us in this meeting may
know I had given instructions since October 2015 for this exercise to start.
But there have been inordinate delays through several Committees in an attempt
to get the balance right and to make sure all parts of the country are
equitably represented.
“On the other hand, I am keenly
aware that our supporters are very eager for these appointments to be
announced. By the Grace of God these appointments will be announced soon.
Especially now that the economy is improving, we will have the resources to
cater for the appointees”.
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good one we are waiting
ReplyDeleteKachikwu should resign now. Or regret joining Buhari's govt.
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ReplyDeleteAfter reelected he will sack them unless from cabal or north. We Nigerians are mumu
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ReplyDeleteThis is the highest sentimental comment from anonymous 07:30