Pate, El-Rufai, Wike, among Tinubu’s ministerial nominees
It has been learned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a list of ministerial nominees to the Senate, which includes Nasiru El-Rufai, Nyesom Wike, and Ali Pate. Alongside them, there are other notable figures such as Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Olawale Edun, Adebayo Adelabu, Adegboyega Oyetola, Mrs. Betta Edu, Senator Ben Ayade, and Dele Alake.
According to a Senate source, the President officially shared the list with Senate President Godswill Akpabio earlier today, complying with the constitutional mandate to submit the list within 60 days of the presidential inauguration.
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The source mentioned that the list comprises a blend of politicians and technocrats, aligning with the national character and representation of the ruling party.
While the source did not confirm the portfolios or the exact number of nominees, it is believed that the selection process aimed to maintain diversity and competence.
President Tinubu has expressed his intention to establish an inclusive government that brings together experienced individuals to drive his “Renewed Hope” agenda for the nation’s betterment.
The process of forming the list involved extensive consultations with key members of the ruling APC National Caucus, the Progressive Governors’ Forum, and other prominent party leaders. The emphasis was on nominating individuals who possessed dedication, experience, and a patriotic spirit, free from any controversies or baggage.
Ali Pate, an eminent medical scholar and former Minister of State (Health), is speculated to be given the Health portfolio due to his expertise in the field.
Nyesom Wike, a lawyer and former Minister of State for Education, has also been included, given his experiences and role as a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Nasiru El-Rufai, a former Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) who led the APC Panel on Restructuring, is likely to be assigned to the Power Ministry based on insider information.
Other nominees include Lateef Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Kwara State, Olawale Edun, a former Lagos Finance Commissioner currently serving as the President’s Special Adviser on Monetary Policy, and Adegboyega Oyetola, a financial expert who served as the Governor of Osun State from 2018 to 2022.
Also included in the list is Mrs. Betta Edu, the APC Women Leader and former Health Commissioner in Cross Rivers State, Senator Ben Ayade, a professor of microbiology who has previously served as a Senator and governor, and Dele Alake, a renowned journalist who currently holds the position of Special Adviser on Media, Strategy, and Special Duties.
While the exact number of nominees and their respective portfolios is yet to be confirmed, Nigerians eagerly anticipate the screening process by the Senate, which is expected to take place next week.
President Tinubu’s commitment to forming a capable and effective government, with a focus on national representation and expertise, shines through in the diverse selection of these nominees. As the nation awaits their official confirmation, it is important to keep President Tinubu in our prayers as he undertakes the significant task of building a better and more inclusive Nigeria.