ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s top leadership may be ready to expand its ranks as early as mid-August, according to insiders within President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Reliable sources revealed to journalists that the President’s ministerial nominees, recently cleared by the Senate, are expected to assume office between August 14, 2023, and August 18, 2023.
The delay, the sources explained, is intended to provide the newly appointed ministers sufficient time to prepare for their roles and relocate to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“It won’t be earlier than upper week (August 14 – 18) because I know it’s not on the President’s schedule for the new week,” a presidency source reported.
Former Governors Nyesom Wike, Dave Umahi, Mohammed Badaru, Bello Matawalle, Nasir El-Rufai, Simon Lalong, Gboyega Oyetola, Atiku Bagudu and Ibrahim Geidam were among the names prominently listed.
However, questions remain regarding the prospective Minister of Defence, as none of the candidates have a military background.
A presidency source, speaking on condition of anonymity, clarified, “Often, the best administrators almost don’t even have direct professional training towards the agency or ministry they head. More so, there is no law that says whoever mans the ministry of defence must be a military person.”
Controversy ignited during this period as tech expert and ministerial nominee, Bosun Tijani, found himself apologising to the Senate and Nigerians for past remarks made on Twitter against the president and Nigerian passport.
Tijani expressed regret, saying, “I didn’t say it to spite; I said it out of frustration. So, please accept my sincere apologies. Distinguished Senators, please accept my apologies for going too far in my explanation, I’m sorry for everything I’ve said.”
Senate President, GodsWill Akpabio, along with Senators Elisha Abbo and Solomon Adeola, urged their colleagues to accept Tijani’s apology, citing his passion for the country and potential to develop Nigeria’s IT industry.
As the third week of August approaches, the nation looks on with anticipation as President Tinubu’s cabinet takes shape, ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
