Godswill Akpabio Set to Reveal Ministerial Nominees As Deadline Looms

As the deadline looms, Senate President Godswill Akpabio is expected to reveal the names of the ministerial nominees during this week's plenary session. The National Assembly's plenaries are typically held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, making this an opportune time for the long-awaited announcement.

Since his inauguration, President Bola Tinubu has faced mounting pressure due to the prolonged delay in constituting his cabinet, now two months into his term. According to a recent amendment to the 1999 Constitution, the President, along with governors, must submit the names of ministerial and commissioner nominees within 60 days of taking office for confirmation by the Senate or respective state Houses of Assembly.

Last-minute Adjustments Stall Nominee Announcement

Sources within the National Assembly revealed that the list containing the names of the ministerial nominees arrived at the office of the Senate President last week. However, the delay in unveiling the names was attributed to some last-minute adjustments made to the list. 

One of the sources said, “The Senate President got the ministerial list last week, but it was not yet time for him to unveil it, hence the reason it was kept. Most importantly, there were some last-minute adjustments. The Senate President had a meeting with President Tinubu over the list last week.”

A meeting between Senate President Akpabio and President Tinubu was also reported to discuss the final selection.

The imminent announcement has generated anticipation and curiosity, with insiders suggesting that many will be shocked by the details of the nominee list. The delay in revealing the names was allegedly influenced by intense lobbying and the desire to avoid backlash. The source said, “The names of the ministerial nominees will be out this week. The Asiwaju-led administration has been trying its best to avoid a backlash even though it is unavoidable. The names will be unveiled this week; that is all I can say.”

Some insiders referred to this development as the "real Asiwaju Tsunami," hinting at the potential political implications.

As the announcement of the ministerial nominees approaches, a ranking senator reassured the public that the screening process would be expeditious. The process could be completed within three days to one week, even if special or emergency sessions need to be called after regular plenary sessions. The Senate is prepared to move swiftly to confirm the nominees.

With the deadline drawing near, all eyes are on President Tinubu as the country eagerly awaits the unveiling of his ministerial nominees this week.