New Ministers: Tension Grips Wike, Ganduje as Senate Keeps Mute Over Tinubu’s Letter
By Nafisat Bello,
There is anxiety in the camps of former Kano and Rivers State Governors, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and Nyesom Wike, over the ministerial list reportedly forwarded to the National Assembly, NASS, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to media reports, Tinubu has already forwarded the list of his ministerial nominees to the Senate, which Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, will read at plenary today.
But as at 2:30 pm, Politics Digest’s checks indicate that Akpabio had not yet read Tinubu’s letter informing the lawmakers of his nominees.
But credible sources in the Presidential Villa informed Politics Digest that the camps of some heavyweight politicians and ex-Governors tipped to become members of the next Federal Executive Council, FEC, are jittery about their fate.
“Some of them, like Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the immediate-past Kano State Governor, and Bar. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, cannot be too sure of them making the list.
“In fact, several people in their camps have developed cold feet. They are not sure if their principals will eventually get Tinubu’s nod to become part of his cabinet.
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“Nevertheless, they are anticipating the ministerial list with a glimmer of hope for some of the ex-Governors I have just mentioned,” one of the sources revealed, while asking not to be named.
Meanwhile, Politics Digest had earlier today, reported that Tinubu, after 50 days in office, finally sent the list of his ministerial nominees to the Senate, which Sen. Akpabio is expected to read in today’s plenary.
It was gathered that the Clerk of the National Assembly, Magaji Tambuwal, received the letter containing the list yesterday.
As mandated by law, the President is obligated to submit the list of ministerial nominees within 60 days of assuming office. After Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, he has until July 26 to fulfill this requirement.
Nigerians have been eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the ministerial list, leading to the circulation of various speculative lists in recent weeks. Nonetheless, President Tinubu has skillfully guarded his choices, leaving the public in suspense as to who will ultimately secure portfolios in the final list of cabinet members.
The ministerial list is widely anticipated by Nigerians as one that will further show the policy direction of the Tinubu administration, in addressing the myriad of challenges facing Africa’s largest economy.
Tinubu’s letter further reduces the anxiety and suspense surrounding his ministerial nomination list. Although no official statement or information has emanated from the Senate to this effect, credible sources close to the office of the Senate President disclosed that the list has reached the Senate.
