President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assigned portfolios to the 45 Ministers-designate on Wednesday. In some of the portfolios, he was spot on, in others, they appeared more like fillers.
For instance, it appears odd how the former Zamfara governor, Bello Mattawale, on whose watch bandits turned the state into their playfield, gets the Defence Minister of State job.
There is also nothing justifying the former governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, as Budget and National Planning Minister. Although it could be argued that as a former senator, governor and a man with a Master’s Degree in Economics, he possesses the skill set to fit the role.
But being named as an accomplice in multiple investigations involving corruption that occurred during the regime of former Nigeria’s military ruler, General Sani Abacha, makes it odd to give Bagudu the job of Budget Minister.
The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, has not enough defence credentials to back up the role given to him as Defence minister, apart from being a former governor of Jigawa State and an alumnus of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies.
Nigeria is buffeted from all sides by insecurity. Having people running the Defence Ministry with little or no security training leaves many people wondering why.
A former Senator that represented Kaduna State in the National Assembly, Shehu Sani, said about those with the defence portfolios. “In view of the security challenges faced by this country, I thought the Defence Minister should be a retired Military officer with experience and records of accomplishments. That office shouldn’t be just political, especially at this time.”
Former Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, has the Ministry of Federal Capital Territory. His feat in Rivers where he is reputed to have constructed several flyovers, appears to be the factor that influenced his choice for that role.
But Rivers is not FCT, just as being a governor is not the same thing as being a Minister. Can Wike, whom many see as a political bully, function well in that office? Only time will tell.
As Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, the ex-Ebonyi Governor, appears to be the fitting replacement for the former occupant of that office, Babatunde Raji Fashola.
As governor of Ebonyi, one of the states with meagre revenue, he transformed it into one of the most beautiful places in the South East. He is likely to do more as minister of works.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, also appears as a suitable pick. A former agitator for good and effective governance, time will tell if he can work the talk. He is also an expert in the field of digital economy.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is also another professional that many believe will add value to the administration.
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