lost influence to make input into the appointment of ministers.
The governors, especially those elected on the platform of the All Progressives
Congress (APC) have found it difficult to penetrate President Muhammadu Buhari to
pick their nominees as ministers.
Also, some Senators, who are godfathers in their states, might be unable to install
their stooges as ministers.
In deference to the principle of Separation of Powers, there were indications that
Buhari may not accept imposition of nominees on him by some leaders of the
National Assembly.
But the jostle for ministerial ticket is assuming a hot race in Kwara, Sokoto, Gombe,
Enugu, Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Katsina, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, and Bauchi,
Investigation by our correspondent showed that apart from deference to party
supremacy, President Buhari has largely been his own man in appointing members
of his cabinet.
It was learnt that although some governors had attempted to recommend some
nominees, the president is insisting on merit.
The same dilemma is confronting some influential Senators and leaders of the
House of Representatives.
According to findings, Buhari is sticking to the principle of separation of powers
instead of throwing the ministerial nomination open.
The discipline being employed by the president in choosing his cabinet members
accounted for the delay in appointing commissioners in some states.
It was gathered that the governors prefer to compensate their loyalists, who may be
schemed out of ministerial slots, as commissioners.
A reliable source said: “Unlike in the past, most governors are stranded this because
the president will not ask them to nominate ministers. Some of them attempted to
make recommendations but did not succeed.
“In fact, the same game is playing out with influential Senators who have found it
difficult to lobby for their candidates as ministerial nominees.
“Buhari is trying to be his own man as far as the choice of ministers is concerned.
The only thing he reckons with is party supremacy. He also wants to adhere to
constitutional provision on the appointment of ministers.
“The governors could not have their way because Buhari has refused to ask for any
office slot or favour from any governor, including his own governor, Aminu Masari of
Katsina State.”
As at press time, investigation confirmed that the jostle for ministerial slot is keen in
Kwara, Sokoto, Gombe, Enugu, Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Akwa
Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Niger, Delta, Edo, Kogi, and Adamawa.
Some godfathers in the affected states were said to be panicking because of recent
political developments in the country, especially in the National Assembly.
Another source said: “Those who have no respect for party supremacy cannot
recommend or nominate ministers. Respect begets respect.
“This is why the president is looking for credible hands whom they cannot disqualify
under a flimsy excuse or the other.”
THE NATION had exclusively reported that the president is on the final lap of
consultations with some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
It was learnt that the president has met with some leaders of the party on the shape
of his cabinet, those who may be on board and what he intends to do.
But he is yet to unveil his list of cabinet members to the leadership of the party.
It was unclear if the President will reduce the size of the cabinet from 42 to 36 or a
lower figure.
Section 147(1-3) directs the President to appoint at least 36 ministers unless the
constitution is amended.
The section reads: “There shall be such offices of Ministers of the Government of
the Federation as may be established by the President.
“Any appointment to the office of Minister of the Government of the Federation shall,
if the nomination of any person to such office is confirmed by the Senate, be made
by the President.
“Any appointment under subsection (2) of this section by the President shall be in
conformity with the provisions of section 14(3) of this Constitution:
“Provided that in giving effect to the Provisions aforesaid the President shall appoint
at least one Minister from each state, who shall be an indigene of such state.”
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