Abuja, Nigeria,
1 August, 2023.
In a significant move towards shaping his new cabinet, President Bola Tinubu submitted a list of 28 ministerial nominees to the Senate on Thursday. The upper legislative chamber wasted no time and began the extensive process of screening these candidates immediately.
The exercise commenced earlier in the week, with the senators meticulously reviewing the resumes of the first batch of 14 nominees. This initial scrutiny allowed them to gain an in-depth understanding of the candidates' qualifications and experiences before proceeding with the interviews.
Among the individuals who successfully navigated this preliminary screening were notable figures such as Abubakar Momoh from Edo, Nyesom Wike from Rivers, Joseph Utsev from Benue, and Abubakar Kyari from Borno. Others who impressed the senators with their credentials included John Enoh from Cross River and Abubakar Badaru from Jigawa.
The Senate panel also had the opportunity to review the resumes of Yusuf Tuggar from Bauchi, Sani Danladi from Taraba, and Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye from Anambra. They further considered Olubunmi Tunji Ojo from Ondo, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha from Abia, Betta Edu from Cross River, and Iman Suleiman Ibrahim from Nasarawa.
As the Senate continues its scrutiny, the remaining 14 nominees await their turn to face the panel's rigorous questioning. Today, the spotlight will be on Uche Nnaji from Enugu, Doris Uzoka from Imo, David Umahi from Ebonyi, Ali Pate from Bauchi, Nasir El-Rufai from Kaduna, Ahmed Dangiwa from Katsina, Hannatu Musawa from Katsina, Lateef Fagbemi from Kwara, and Muhammad Idris from Niger.
The other nominees slated for scrutiny include Ekperikpe Ekpo from Akwa Ibom, Stella Okotete from Delta, Dele Alake from Ekiti, Wale Edun from Ogun, and Waheed Adelabu from Oyo.
It is worth noting that President Tinubu did not nominate ministers from 11 states, namely Adamawa, Bayelsa, Gombe, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Lagos, Plateau, Osun, Yobe, and Zamfara. The absence of these nominations has sparked curiosity and speculation among political observers about the reasons behind this decision.
Moving forward, the Senate will conduct thorough interviews with each nominee, keeping in mind the pressing national issues and the need to assemble a competent and diverse cabinet. The committee responsible for this process operates under the Chairmanship of the Senate President and convenes as the Committee of the Whole.
As Nigerians await the outcome of these thorough screenings, all eyes remain fixated on the Senate's decision. The successful candidates will play crucial roles in shaping the direction of the country and addressing the myriad challenges faced by the nation.
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