The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ministerial

  • Kwara North demands ministerial, SSG slots

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), Kwara North Senatorial District  wants the positions of minister and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) be zoned to the area.

    Alhaji Muhammed Kudu, the Director-General, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq Campaign Organisation (AACO), Kwara North, made the request on behalf of the zone in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    Kudu said that both Kwara south and central where the minister, the state APC chairman and the national publicity secretary of the party hail from are  fully represented in the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

    He said that Kwara north had no representative in the NWC, stressing that this could fuel a feeling of injustice and lack of fairness in the party.

    ”As it is, the NWC position from the state is in Kwara central, represented by Mr Lanre Issa-Onilu, National Publicity Secretary.

    “The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Muhammed and Mr Bashir Bolarin the state chairman are both from Kwara South.

    ”So Kwara north has no position in the NWC of the party, the only person that can go to the NWC is the state chairman who is already from south, the current minister is also from Kwara South.’’

    He said that the governor-elect, Mr Adulrasaq is from Kwara central and would automatically be a member, adding that the north had no position and must be considered for the minister and the SSG in the new administrations.

    Kudu said that there was need to include the north in the running of APC in the state, adding that this would assuage the feelings of members in the zone.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kwara North Elder’s Council had earlier demanded for the ministerial slot, SSG, NWC membership and the speaker of the State House of Assembly.

    They hinged their demand on the fact that the zone ensured victory for the APC, despite its peculiarities of massive under development.

    Others included systematic deprivation of essentials of life and total neglect of the people and places by the past government in the state.

  • MINISTERIAL ORDER: NFF coughs out N100m

    MINISTERIAL ORDER: NFF coughs out N100m

    • Coaches’ salaries gulp N30m

    • Eagles’, others’ allowances, bonuses hit N50m
    • Outstandings to be paid this week

    Chieftains of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) surprised the Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung on Thursday in Abuja when they presented a statement of account that shows that the body has N100 million from which cheques can be issued to pay for the coaches’, players and others being owed by the federation for services rendered.

    This staggering sum came from the sponsorship fees paid to the federation by some of its sponsors recently which needed to be paid into their accounts before any form of withdrawal can be done, with the consent  and approval of its supervising ministry.

    Consequently, the minister directed that the coaches’  salaries be paid immediately with words rife that the figure amounts to N30 million for all the national teams’ tacticians and supporting staff.

    Sportinglife scooped further that a staggering N50 milllion will be paid out to the coaches, players and supporting staff of all the national teams that partook in major and minor football competitions in the last six months.

    The largest sums will be paid to the coaches, players and officials of the Super Eagles for the two games against Swaziland where the team drew and won the games played.

    Word was rife that the money would be ransferred into the players’, coaches’ and supporting staff’s bank accounts in line with the government’s new policy on such matters.

  • Ministerial portfolio: Round vs. square hole

    Ministerial portfolio: Round vs. square hole

    At last, ministers have been allotted responsibilities popularly known as portfolio.  The wait has been long and unwarranted.  Mercifully however the earthquake predicted by some Nigerians did not erupt.  It must be admitted that President Buhari contributed in large measure to the cynicism and speculation.  Making a mountain of a molehill, cabinet formation is a normal thing in other in other climes.  At best the exercise raises whimsical expectation, not the foreboding that Nigerians elevate it.

    As expected two incongruous sections of our society have gone almost hysterical; they are the defenders of the South-east interest and some elements of the fragmented Afenifere – Renewal or old.  These negative elements above have seen Nigeria through their narrow lenses, virtually ignoring the interest of others. Examples litter the Nigerian political space.  In the old Western State, some ethnic groups were more equal than others, while some with no resources other than their brain, controlled all the apparatus of government, smiling to the banks with proceeds of fat contracts; others, specifically Ondo Province, now Ondo and Ekiti states, were glued to the groundswell of poverty.  Thanks to education, they struggled to lift themselves up.  Today a cosmetic gesture like persuading aging but compassionate Reuben Fasonranti to remain in a non- functioning post does not clear the rot and discrimination of the past.

    More importantly, were these Afenifere stalwarts not party to the political prostitution of our recent past?  Were they not beneficiaries of the cash and carry modus operandi of the last administration when even Yoruba Obas were not spared the bait?  What was their pleading?  The Jonathan administration would implement the Confab resolution on ‘True Federalism’?  This was   the height of naivety, because apart from constitutional roadblocks.  Jonathan’s body language was misread by these apostles.

    And now the South-eastern “defenders”. One would have been amused were the facts not so daunting.  Remember the policy of the last administration, when more than 70% of all ‘juicy’ political  and public service appointments went to the two South-eastern zones, while the rest of the country comprising the  ‘North’ and South-west shared the miserable leftover.  In fact the West did not have more than five percent of these national positions.

    In the circumstance which I have enumerated above and in the light of the spread and relative importance, of the ministerial slots, President Buhari has been very courageous and fair.  He has shown that his heart is bigger than his physical features and that Nigeria remain his constituency.

    Yes it true the West has fared better.  But should that zone be always relegated?  It is no secret to observe that for over half a century – since the Balewa years, the West has been the loser.  Even when our man from Owu was president, we knew what class of people, men and women, caught his eyes.  His penchant for selecting his friends and associates is legendary and the Yoruba people will never forget this easily.

    This distribution of ministerial portfolios has been seen to be just.  It is necessary to state here that except the Ministry Of Justice, a professional is not necessarily the best materials to head a ministry.   Any one with solid educational and ethical background can head any ministry.  The important requirements are competence and commitment, not pre-knowledge of the beat you are going to preside over.  The exception perhaps is the justice ministry where the minister or attorney-general will direct law officers of state to take certain legal actions or in exceptional cases, take on the job himself.  He has to be a lawyer.

    The situation is like the appointment of permanent secretaries where any competent director could be elevated to take charge of any ministry, except justice where in most cases he is also Solicitor- General.

    Some have argued that some ministers are overburdened or that some are light-weight.  None is light-weight among the ministers.  The Minister of Labour and Productivity for example, will perhaps be one  of the busiest among his peers.  Ask the last minister, Emeka Nwogu, he had sleepless days adjudicating industrial disputes.  It needs the quiet disposition of an Ngige to hold that position.  Yes, Fashola is probably over-burdened.  In 2011 I voted for a non-existent Buhari/Fashola ticket.  It was a fruitless effort, but I made my point.  Isn’t Fashola itching towards my dream now?  But what area of life has this young- aging man failed?

    Kayode Fayemi is manning the solid minerals department with crude oil dipping and the country’s   finances running down elsewhere.  Apart from well-known doggedness, Fayemi is a frontiers man, knocking at the door all the time.  He will not only regularize illegal mining, he will attract direct private local and foreign investments in the vital area.

    Lai Mohammed? Dissemination of information and combative resistance to demagoguery has been his turf for decades.  Mrs. Kemi Adeosun because of her reputation is a gift to the Buhari Administration.  Unpretentious and tenacious there will be no pretences of yesteryears in our financial management.   She is not likely to subject Nigerians to lecture and tutorials, unlike her predecessor, the mighty Queen to Breton Wood Conference.

    Audu Ogbe comes from the area known as the basket food of the nation. With a favourable climate and input to otherwise agrarian business all over Nigeria, we are likely to meet our food demands soon. And so the story goes on.

    Downsizing the numbers of ministries and merging some departments and agencies of the Federal Government, Nigeria seems set, for the first time, to face the realities of our problems which by today’s political lexicon we call challenges.  The Buhari government must be put on its toes; no white-washing and at the same no coal-tarrying.

     

    • Fasuan MON, JP writes from Ekiti State.
  • ‘No ministerial portfolios yet’

    ‘No ministerial portfolios yet’

    President Muhammadu Buhari has not given ministers-designate portfolios, the Presidency said yesterday.

    It was learnt also that the Senate has not communicated to the Presidency its clearance of the second batch of 18 ministers.

    Presidential spokesman Femi Adesina said last night that any list of portfolios for the ministers was only the imagination of persons spreading it.

    “When the president is ready to swear in the ministers, he will say so and allocate portfolios,” Adesina said.

    He said the swearing it would “likely be this week.”

  • Rivers APC, PDP disagree on Amaechi’s ministerial screening

    Rivers APC, PDP disagree on Amaechi’s ministerial screening

    The Rivers State chapters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have disagreed on the nomination of ex-Rivers Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, for ministerial screening by the Senate.

    APC, through its Rivers Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone, on Saturday in Port Harcourt, declared that PDP members have been resorting to Internet fake news to blackmail the Senate against Amaechi’s screening

    It noted that whether the PDP members liked it or not, Amaechi, who was the Director-General of Buhari/Osinbajo Campaign Organisation, would be screened next Tuesday and confirmed by the Senate.

    PDP, through its Rivers Chairman, Chief Felix Obuah, however, described as baseless, laughable, childish and mere ranting, the APC’s defence of the former Rivers governor’s ministerial nomination.

    APC said: “It has come to the notice of the Rivers State chapter of the APC that Governor Nyesom Wike and the PDP, in their failed bid to ensure that the Senate does not screen Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, have now resorted to publishing counterfeit news items through their sponsored Internet news outlets.

    “Some of the PDP internet outlets is Nigeriana.org, with a fake story headlined ‘APC Ministerial Crisis: ‘Screen And Confirm Me or Refund My Money’ – Angry Amaechi To APC Leaders.’ Another of such fake story is by the notorious PDP Scannewsnigeria.com with a headline: ‘Ministerial Screening of Buhari’s Sponsor: EFCC arrests Minority Leader as FG intimidates PDP Senators.”

    “In both online publications, agents of Governor Wike and the PDP tried to justify the huge funds the Rivers State Governor is providing to them by concocting wild, pedestrian stories in form of news, which are put out to unsuspecting and gullible online readers.

    “These online outlets have in the past concocted many fake news stories, purporting such stories to be based on interviews with the former governor, that actually never held; they also claimed to have talked with close associates of the former governor, who they fail to name, just because confidentiality of sources is a right accorded to journalists under the law.

    “Again, they continue to indulge in their malfeasance, because most online readers often fail to see through such false stories and the sinister motives of those behind them.

    “It is important to emphasise that Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi did not speak with any journalist as stated in the Nigeriana.com story under reference. He also did not, at anytime, hold any discussions with associates, friends or any person/persons over the matter of his Senate screening at any time and certainly did not and still does not have reasons to discuss such issues with anyone, along the lines expressed by the shameless online publication. Former Governor Amaechi is at peace with himself and God. “

    The Rivers PDP, however, noted that the APC’s alleged indefensible, laughable, and recourse to tendentious gossip, in an attempt to protect Amaechi, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), according to the party, amounted to glorifying corruption.

    Rivers PDP said: “With the historic woeful defeat of the APC in the state, which it ran to total bankruptcy and near collapse notwithstanding, the huge internally-generated revenue and accruements from the federal allocations, it is commonsense to fathom why they insist in remaining in office to cover up their loot.

    “Failure to do so explains why the APC in the state and those strangers who assisted in the looting spree, are wrapped in total confusion that is ravaging the party, leaving their members disorientated as being expressed in hollow press statements and ranting.

    “Amaechi would not in anyway be an asset to President Muhammadu Buhari and lacks the integrity and morality to speak for Rivers people.”

  • Ministerial list: Niger-Delta ex-agitators hail Buhari

    Ministerial list: Niger-Delta ex-agitators hail Buhari

    National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, NCNDE-A has thrown its weight behind President Muhammadu Buhari’s minister.

    The group noted that the nominees undergoing screening at the Senate are well deserved.

    The group’s National President, Mr Israel Akpodoro, stated this in Abuja at a meeting held by some ex-agitator from the Niger Delta to continue showing up their support to Buhari-led administration.

    According to the group, the painstaking efforts by the president at building a new Nigeria was evident in his choice of ministers, adding that the names as made public by the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, was a proof to making Nigeria great once again.

    “It is indeed, another gesture from Mr. President on his commitments to move this nation forward, because, on the list, were those political personalities and technocrats who have lived above destructive sentiments in their efforts for building a virile nation for all Nigerians,” he said.

    However, the Coalition called on President Buhari to redeem his promise to empower those youth who worked for him before, during and after the elections.

     He said that having brought change to bear in Nigeria’s political space, especially of Niger Delta extraction, those who risked all they had for the emergence of the president should be rewarded.

    He said: “As at the time I led my group in August last year in furtherance to my solidarity for our today’s president in 2015, we worked and achieved result therefore, the president owe us a duty not only to empower us but to encourage the Nigerian youth to stand up for what/who they believe in without fear or trepidations,” he added.

  • Ministerial screening

    With the unveiling of the first batch of ministerial nominees by the Senate, speculations on those who made the list have been laid to rest. Discussions now centre round the suitability of some of the prospective ministers; the rationale for the long period it took to put the team together and the inability of President Buhari to submit a full list despite promises to keep to the September deadline he had set.

    A perusal of the list shows some well known names such as former governors, politicians, other former public office holders and some relatively new entrants. Not unexpectedly, issues have been raised on the justification for the long period it took the president to compile the list given that a good number of the names had at one time or the other been in government or its related agencies.

    Even then, the list fell short of the constitutional requirement that a minister should come from each state including the Federal Capital Territory. The fact of this coupled with its submission on the last day of September seemed to tally with earlier fears that the president was not really certain of his direction in those appointments. Or is to be presumed that the rigour that went into the screening exercise was responsible for the delay? That could as well be.  But many of those listed have been around and information on them should not have taken that long.

    The excuse then was that the president needed time to determine those to work with given his commitment to the war against corruption. The delay it was further argued was for him to set his priorities and then determine those whose conduct, temperament and professional competence tally with that needed to deliver on the change he had promised the nation.

    But some of the names in the list, the manner in which it was delivered to beat set deadline and the incompleteness of that assignment, have raised further questions on the admissibility of these excuses. It would seem there is not much in the list to justify the long delay especially given the adverse toll it has taken in the effective functioning of the government. The expectation was that those who make the list would be a sharp departure from the recycling of the past; people who have no allegations or controversies hanging around their necks and whose professional competences are not in doubt. We were desirous of seeing a new corps of leaders, a new direction; a new roadmap for the war against corruption. One is afraid the list of nominees fell short of that. What is palpable is an attempt to compensate and reward politicians and others in the fringes that helped the party to victory.

    Ordinarily, there would have been nothing wrong with this as those who worked very hard for the party are expected to share in its spoils. But this is a government that told whoever cares to hear that it is on a rescue mission to put right all the wrongs of the past. It is a government that promised to reinvent Nigeria by killing corruption and building strong institutions. Such a government must be seen to be departing sharply from the old ways of statecraft. The scriptures captured this sentiment very succinctly when it said you cannot put an old wineskin into a new wineskin and expect a good outcome. That is the uncanny dialectics at play.

    That is the problem we run into when leaders set very high moral standards of conduct without taking into serious account, other systemic variables at play. This is by no means a vote of no confidence on all those that have been short listed. It is still possible that some of the nominees deemed unfit for the prosecution of the corruption war, can still turn a new leaf. Such born again former public office holders may turn out the armour bearers of the war against corruption with a leadership of example and direction in place. But they must be seen to have purged themselves of their old ways.

    More than anything, the situation has highlighted the reality that in whatever changes we intend to make, we still have to rely on Nigerians to see them through. If we are all corrupt, it is either there is a new resolve for everybody to fight and kill corruption or corruption will kill us all. We cannot go to the moon to import people to effect that change. We will still have to rely on what we have.  What is important is to build very strong institutions; set the ground norms to decisively discourage corruption and corrupt practices in all their ramifications. There is hardly any former public office holder in this clime that we cannot discover one form of misdemeanour or the other when properly subjected to public scrutiny. It is even safer to conclude that a public officer in this country will steal public funds than the other way round.

    That is the point against the undue focus in recovering monies stolen by former public office holders. Prosecuting and recovering looting monies, as desirable as they are, do not have all it takes to stamp out corruption. The reason is that it focuses on symptoms rather than the real cause of the ailment. It focuses on people when they have already committed the offence rather than building the appropriate institutional framework to stop them from committing the act. The latter is what is direly required now.

    Beyond these however, are issues of serious repercussions for our democracy the handling of the ministerial nominee is bound to throw up. The list is now with the Senate. Its president, Bukola Saraki has promised screening next week. But, feelers show the screening exercise will no longer be business as usual. Indications are of plans to involve some anti-graft agencies in the screening exercise. As one senator succinctly put it: “the days of take-a- bow are over”. They have promised to stick to the rules and the constitution in carrying out the exercise.

    Ostensibly, this is to further the momentum for the war against corruption. If these are anything to repose hope on, then nominees are going to face difficult hurdles before confirmation. We should also expect delays in the confirmation and Buhari may still have to work for some time without ministers.  There are insinuations that the Senate may be rooting to get even with President Buhari given the arraignment of Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) which he is alleged to have influenced.

    Saraki had said before the tribunal and the senate that he is on trial because he is the Senate President. He may therefore in concert with his colleagues who have passed a vote of confidence in him not spare any nominee with any skeleton to hide to prove the point that the graft war should go round.

    Just as justice should run its full course in the case of the trial of Saraki, the Senate would be on its right to insist that only people of integrity and impeccable character are confirmed as ministers. It cannot do any less. For, to ignore this issue will amount to lending credence to accusations that the chamber is a sore finger in the war against corruption. It could well be that the overall intention is to settle scores. That would be neither here nor there.

    The senate will not be expected to approve nominees who have serious cases of corruption allegation standing against them. They ought to clear themselves. That way, we would be discouraging the looting of public funds by rampaging public office holders. So it is still in the overall interest of this country that the senate fully sticks to the rules guiding the approval of ministerial nominees.

    The issue is not whether there are some ulterior motives for sticking to rules and due process. Rules are made and standards set to promote public good. That such rules have been observed in their breach may account for why little or no progress has been made in this country. It is good a thing both the executive and the legislature appear to be singing the same tune in the fight against sleaze. The heuristic value of such a synergy holds very promising prospects for the country.

  • Gombe youths oppose ministerial nominee

    •’Her nomination okay’

    The plan to appoint Hajiya Amina Ibrahim Azubir as a minister from Gombe State has attracted criticisms.

    A youth group, the Youth Salvation Awareness Forum, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to appoint her.

    The group’s coordinator and spokesman, Abubakar Umar, said: “It is very disheartening that Amina Azubir was not part and parcel of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its development in this state.

    “She is not a card-carrying member of the APC. She has not contributed to the success of this government. So, it is surprising and ridiculous to hear that she is to be appointed a minister.”

    He said the list of ministerial nominees showed that 95 per cent of them were card-carrying members of the APC in other states, wondering why Gombe was an exception.

    Umar said: “If it is the issue of credibility, I think there are people more credible and capable than Amina.

    “Many APC members suffered for the party. This is the time for them to reap the fruits of their labour.”

    He enjoined President Buhari to consider the growth of the APC in making appointments, to ensure the party has a solid foundation.

    The Special Adviser to Dr. Orji Kalu, Prince Kunle Oyewumi, has hailed President Buhari for  nominating Amina, the special adviser on Post -2015 Development Planning to the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Kin- Moon, as a member of the Federal Executive Council. He said her character and profile were a testament to her commitment to good governance and the country’s progress.

    Oyewumi, a one-time special adviser on Millennium Developments Goals (MDGS) to the Oyo State Government, said Amina was a seasoned development expert, stressing that she would bring to bear, her cross-border administrative experience, if appointed a minister.

  • President won’t interfere with ministerial nominees’ probe, says APC chief

    President won’t interfere with ministerial nominees’ probe, says APC chief

    President Muhammadu Buhari will not stop investigation into corruption cases against members of his cabinet when constituted, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chief, Senator Lawal Shuaibu, said at the weekend.

    Shuaibu, who is the party’s deputy national chairman (North), said in an interview with reporters that corruption investigations against former governors of Rivers and Lagos states – Rotimi Amaechi and Babatunde Raji Fashola – would be carried out in accordance with the law.

    The two former governors are part of 21 nominees awaiting screening at the National Assembly.

    The APC chief said if corruption investigation against any of the nominees led to conviction in courts, the President would not intervene.

    He said: “The president has said several times that he believes in the rule of law and that he respects the rule of the law.

    “Anything that is not in line with the constitution and the extant laws of this country, he would not go for it. When it comes to the issue of the choice of people, who will serve as ministers in his administration, I believe that until one is convicted in the law court, we will be chasing shadows on the basis of suspicions and assumptions.

    “If he decides to interpret the laws in the case of people facing investigation, I think he is quite free to go ahead with it. I think quite frankly that he is not going to stop any investigations against any member of his cabinet.”

    “But should that investigation lead to conviction in courts, I assure you that even before the President will ask them to resign, such a person would have brought a letter of resignation. The president cannot intervene in a matter before the court on behalf of anybody, including his own child.”

    On the allegation that Buhari was biased in his approach to the anti-corruption crusade, Shuaibu said: “What did you expect the president to do? Buhari has made it clear, even during his interview in New York, when he said he would not be interfering with judicial process or procedures and he would wait to see when a court makes a decision on anyone.”

  • Monarch seeks ministerial slot for community

    Monarch seeks ministerial slot for community

    The Deji of Akure , Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladesulu has urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to make its “change” agenda be noticed in Akure, the Ondo State capital by appointing one of his subjects as a minister in its proposed cabinet.

    The monarch spoke through the Asamo of Akure, High Chief Rotimi Olusanya when APC leaders in the state visited him in Akure.

    Oba Aladesulu noted that the last time Akure community felt Federal Government’s presence in terms of political appointment was during the era of the Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, when the Olu of Ilu-Abo, Chief Olu Falae was appointed as the Minister of Finance and Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF).

    According to the traditional ruler, the people of Akure will support the government and ensure the sustenance of peace in the community.

    The visit to his palace was led by the chairman of the state chairman of APC, Isaac Kekemeke with a promise that the party would support his reign for the development of Akure, the state capital.

    He said the APC would work assiduously with Akure traditional council for the socio-economic development of the kingdom.

    Kekemeke said: “Our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari is seen as a man of integrity by most world leaders. Now we want to change Nigeria, Ondo State and Akure and we know you too as a change agent.”

    He described Oba Aladesulu as a man of integrity, stressing that APC members are for progress and development in all spheres of life.

    His words: “Kabiyesi, we have many things in common to develop your domain. We know by next year, we will be working together because APC is forming the next government in Ondo State.

    “We want to have a traditional rapport with the palace to have a common goal to develop Akure in particular and the entire state in general. Akure is vital to the development of the state.

    “We have a great luck in having you as our monarch at a time we are preparing to take the mantle of leadership.”

    Kekemeke called for peaceful co-existence among residents in Akure, saying “APC is committed to peace and progress of the ancient community.”

    He condemned the recent protest by commercial motorcycle operators in Akure, emphasising that APC would not support the destruction of public property in the name of protestation.”

    The former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) however criticised the alleged mismanagement and politicisation of all issues of governance in the state by Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

    He urged the monarch to prevail on all unions in the state to operate within the confines of the law.

    Another APC leader, Prince Olu Adegboro said the party was for transformation.

    He lamented that Akure has been relegated to the background politically by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration in the state, promising the traditional ruler that the APC government would ensure that all glory of

    the ancient town is restored.

    Other APC leaders on the visit to the palace were Prince Olu Adegboro, the Vice-Chairman (Central), Gboyega Adedipe and the State Secretary, Rotimi Rahman.