Wike, Oyetola, El-Rufai in ministerial list – Report
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai, and his Rivers State counterpart, Nyesom Wike, along with eminent medical scholar Ali Pate, are among the notable figures on the list of ministerial nominees submitted to the Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu according to The Nation.
The list, which was forwarded to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, complies with the constitutional requirement to submit nominations within 60 days after the presidential inauguration, as the deadline is approaching this weekend.
The list of nominees reflects a mix of experienced politicians and technocrats, aligning with President Tinubu’s vision of an inclusive and competent government to drive his ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda in the nation’s interest.
Notably, consultations with key members of the ruling APC National Caucus, the Progressive Governors’ Forum, party leaders, and stakeholders were undertaken to ensure the selection of patriotic and capable individuals without political baggage.
While the specific portfolios for the nominees have not been confirmed yet, sources suggest that Ali Pate, a Harvard professor of medicine and former Minister of State for Health in the previous administration, might be considered for the Health portfolio.
On the other hand, Nyesom Wike, a lawyer and former Minister of State for Education, could be assigned to a prominent role in the cabinet.
Similarly, El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the head of the APC Panel on Restructuring, is believed to be a strong contender for the Power Ministry.
Legal luminary, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), economist Olawale Edun, and banker Adebayo Adelabu are also listed as potential ministerial candidates.
Other names on the list include Adegboyega Oyetola, who previously served as the Governor of Osun State, Mrs. Betta Edu, the APC Women Leader and former Health Commissioner in Cross Rivers State, Senator Ben Ayade, who is a professor of microbiology and a former senator and governor, and eminent journalist Dele Alake, who currently serves as the Special Adviser on Media, Strategy, and Special Duties.
Wike who is still in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after serving for two terms as Rivers State Governor worked for the APC in the 2023 presidential election after he fell out with PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.
