Metro
Buhari may keep oil ministry to himself in new cabinet
President Muhammadu Buhari may likely take charge of the ministry of petroleum resources himself in the new cabinet to be formed.
Reuters quoted some close associates of the President as saying on Tuesday, that the president may not trust anyone else with the ministry, which currently contributes over 80 per cent of Nigeria’s revenue.
According to the report, one long-standing associate of Buhari, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the cabinet decision was still under wraps, said Nigeria’s oil sector was so dirty that nobody’s hands were clean enough to do the “surgical changes” needed.
Reuters also quoted another political associate as saying, “He will do it. It would be stupid to give that position to anyone else.”
The first source said Buhari had still not decided on his cabinet and had laughed off media speculation about the figures he would appoint, joking with friends as he read out a newspaper article that mentioned possible names: “They have picked my ministers for me! Have I even told you who I want?”
Buhari has extensive knowledge of the oil sector, having been head of the Petroleum Trust Fund under an ex-military ruler, the late Gen. Sani Abacha, in the 1990s and oil minister in the 1970s under Olusegun Obasanjo.
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Sexymama
June 3, 2015 at 8:20 am
Sir, Nigerians would love that decision. Who has more experience in the industry or more proven integrity than you do?
Samuel Egube
June 3, 2015 at 9:46 am
In line with our national objective of diversification, we should note that Agriculture, trade and industry should be the areas of greatest value add/improvement than oil. Even Power is so much more significant. I also think the President should take on the sole responsibility in choosing and leading the best minds to take on our Public challenge, rather than doing it himself, the Oil industry not exempted. Lastly a coach directing the play from the side lines is more effective than the player coach. His view range of the game is broader and more dispassionate than the narrow range of the player coach. Who will observe the player coach as a player or instruct him at half time when he errs; or even change him when we need a change from the reserve? Samuel Egube
de don
June 3, 2015 at 11:06 am
I think Buhari just some time to work this through I have seen the zeal to make this great changes we are looking for he is experienced..so they said experience is the best teacher…
Gracious Store
June 3, 2015 at 5:02 pm
It will be interesting for the president to be the mister of petroleum at the same time. I think the best way for the President to show his determination to wipe off corruption is to bite the bullet and do the surgical work needed to clean up the petroleum sector before appointing any minister to head it rather than taking up the ministry himself.