Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has appointed former governors of Rivers and Ebonyi states, Nyesom Wike and Dave Umahi, as Ministers of FCT and Minister of Works, respectively. He also appointed Festus Keyamo as Aviation Minister.
The appointments were announced by Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, on Wednesday.
Wike, a former two-term governor of Rivers State, is a controversial figure who is known for his outspokenness and his willingness to challenge the status quo. He is also a powerful political force in the Niger Delta region.
Umahi, a former two-term governor of Ebonyi State, is a rising star in the All Progressives Congress (APC). He is seen as a potential presidential candidate in the future.
Keyamo is a lawyer and human rights activist who is known for his fiery rhetoric. He is a strong supporter of Tinubu and the APC.
The appointments of Wike, Umahi, and Keyamo are seen as a sign that Tinubu is looking to build a strong and diverse cabinet. He is also looking to appoint people who are loyal to him and who will help him to achieve his political goals.
Tinubu praised Wike and Umahi for their achievements as governors of their states, especially in the areas of infrastructure development, security, and social welfare. He expressed confidence that they will bring their wealth of experience and expertise to their new portfolios and contribute to the realization of his vision for Nigeria.
Tinubu commended Keyamo for his dedication and professionalism as the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs. He said Keyamo will bring his passion and commitment to his new portfolio and oversee the development and transformation of Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace sector.
The ministers from different regions of the country. Below are the full list of the new ministers and their portfolios:
- Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy – Hannatu Musawa
- Minister of Defence – Muhammad Badaru
- Minister of State Defence – Bello Matawalle
- Minister of State Education – Yusuf T. Sunumu
- Minister of Housing and Urban Development – Ahmed Dangiwa
- Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development – Abdullahi Gwarzo
- Minister of Budget and Economic Planning – Atiku Bagudu
- Minister of Environment and Ecological Management – Kaduna
- Minister of State, FCT – Mairiga Mahmud
- Minister of State, Water Resources and Sanitation – Bello Goronyo
- Minister of Agriculture and Food Security – Abubakar Kyari
- Minister of Education – Tahir Momoh
- Minister of Interior – Sa’idu Alkali
- Minister of Foreign Affairs – Yusuf Tuggar
- Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Development –Ali PAto
- Minister of Police Affairs – Ibrahim Gaidam
- Minister of State, Steel Development – U MAIgari Ahmadu
- Minister of Steel Development – Shuaibu Audu
- Minister of Information National Orientation – Muhammed Idris
- Attorney General of Federal and Minister of Justice – Lateef Fagbemi
- Minister of Labour and Employment – Simon Lalong
- Minister of State, Police Affairs – Imman Suleiman Ibrahim
- Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs – Zephianiah Jisalpo
- Minister of Water Resources and sanitation – Joseph Utsev
- Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Security – Aliyu Sabi Abdullah
- Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo
- Minister of Youth, Abubakar Momoh
- Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu
- Minister of State, Gas Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo
- Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri
- Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh
- Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike
- Minister Of Communications, Innovation And Digital Economy: Bosun Tijani
- Minister Of State, Environment And Ecological Management: Ishak Salako;
- Minister Of Finance And Coordinating Minister Of The Economy: Wale Edun;
- Minister Of Marine And Blue Economy: Bunmi Tunji-Ojo;
- Minister Of Power: Adebayo Adelabu;
- Minister Of State, Health And Social Welfare: Tunji Alausa;
- Minister Of Solid Minerals Development: Dele Alake;
- Minister Of Tourism: Lola Ade-John;
- Minister Of Transportation: Adegboyega Oyetola.
- Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Anite;
- Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji;
- Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha;
- Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy
The appointments have been met with mixed reactions. Some people have praised Tinubu for appointing a diverse cabinet, while others have criticized him for appointing controversial figures.
Only time will tell whether Tinubu’s appointments will be successful. However, one thing is for sure: they are sure to generate a lot of discussion and debate.
