The Nigerian Senate has begun the screening of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 28 ministerial nominees, and Nigerians are holding their breath to see who will make the cut.
Last week Thursday, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila presented the ministerial nominees list to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. The list contains some familiar names and some surprises. The president also indicated that he would send a supplementary list soon, as the current list covers only 25 states.
The nominees, who were drawn from 25 states, include four former governors, six former federal lawmakers, two former lawmakers, three serving presidential advisers, and seven women.
The Senate has promised a transparent and thorough screening process, and Nigerians are eager to see how the nominees will fare.
The ministerial nominees are expected to undergo a rigorous and transparent screening process by the 109 senators, who have postponed their annual recess for this purpose. The screening, which may last for at least three days, will test the nominees’ competence, character, and contribution to governance.
Some of the most notable nominees include former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike: The former governor of Rivers State, who served from 2015 to 2023. He is a lawyer and a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He is known for his infrastructural development projects and his political rivalry with his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi.
Nasir El-Rufai: The former governor of Kaduna State, who served from 2015 to 2023. He is an Architect and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He is known for his controversial policies on security, education, and urban renewal. He is also seen as a potential presidential candidate in 2027.
David Umahi: The former governor of Ebonyi State, who served from 2015 to 2023. He is an engineer and a member of the APC. He defected from the PDP in 2020, citing injustice and marginalization of the South-East region. He is known for his agricultural and industrial initiatives and his cordial relationship with President Tinubu.
Mohammed Badaru Abubakar: The former governor of Jigawa State, who served from 2015 to 2023. He is a businessman and a member of the APC. He is known for his economic diversification and social welfare programs. He is also the chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum.
Uche Nnaji: The founder and CEO of OUCH Fashion and Lifestyle Brand. He is an entrepreneur and a fashion designer. He is known for his innovative and creative designs and his social media influence. He is also a mentor and a philanthropist.
Hannatu Musawa: A lawyer, columnist, and activist. She is the founder and director of the Musawa Women’s Foundation, a non-governmental organization that promotes women’s rights and empowerment. She is also a vocal advocate for constitutional reform, electoral justice, and good governance.
The Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, has assured Nigerians that the screening will be thorough and fair. He said that the Senate will not disappoint Nigerians with its conduct. He also said that the nominees must have the character, behavior, and ability to be part of the cabinet that will steer Nigeria to greater heights.
The ministerial screening is expected to commence today at the National Assembly complex in Abuja. Nigerians are eagerly waiting to see how the nominees will perform and what portfolios they will be assigned by President Tinubu.
The screening is expected to take several days, and it is unclear when the Senate will vote on the nominees.
Below are the ministerial nominees to be screened by the Nigerian Senate:
- ABUBAKAR MOMOH – EDO STATE
- YUSUF MAITAMA – BAUCHI STATE
- Architect Umar Dangiwa – KATSINA STATE
- Hannatu MUSAWA – KATSINA STATE
- UCHE NNAJI – ENUGU STATE
- BETA EDU – CROSS RIVER STATE
- DORIS ANIETE UZOAKA – IMO STATE
- DAVID UMAHI – EBONYI STATE
- NYESOM EZENWO WIKE – RIVERS STATE
- MOHAMMED BADARU ABUBAKAR – JIGAWA STATE
- NASIL EL RUFAI – KADUNA STATE
- EKPERIKPE EKPO – AKWA IBOM STATE
- NKIRU ONYEJEOCHA – ABIA STATE
- OLUBUNMI TUNJI OJO – ONDO STATE
- STELLA OKOTETE – DELTA STATE
- UJU KENNEDY OHANEYE – ANAMBRA STATE
- BELLO MOHAMMED GORONYO – SOKOTO STATE
- DELE ALAKE – EKITI STATE
- LATEEF FAGBEMI – KWARA STATE
- MOHAMMED IDRIS – NIGER STATE
- OLAWALE EDUN – OGUN STATE
- WAHEED ADEBAYO ADELABU – OYO STATE
- IMAAN SULEIMAN IBRAHIM – NASARAWA STATE
- PROF ALI PATE – BAUCHI STATE
- JOSEPH OTSEN – BENUE STATE
- SEN. ABUBAKAR KYARI – BORNO STATE
- SEN JOHN ENO – CROSS RIVER
- SEN SANI ABUBAKAR – TARABA STATE
However, Nigerians are already eager to see who will be part of Tinubu’s cabinet and what they will bring to the table.
The screening of the ministerial nominees is a critical moment for Nigeria, and the Senate must conduct a fair and transparent process.
The nominees will play a vital role in shaping the future of Nigeria, and it is important that they are qualified and experienced.
The Senate has an opportunity to make a difference in Nigeria by ensuring that the best possible people are appointed to the cabinet.
