Buhari, Obj discuss ministerial appointments

Indications emerged recently that President Muhammadu Buhari may have sought the view and confidence of former President Olusegun Obasanjo on those to be appointed as ministers in the present administration.

It is also believed that Buhari is not favourably disposed to recycling old horses for ministerial positions, but more inclined towards appointment of younger Nigerians.

The recent parley between both men, Nation reports centred on national issues, as Buhari allegedly opened up to Obasanjo on the criteria for choosing his ministers.

But findings confirmed that the president may send the list of ministers to the National Assembly in batches because of the likely merger of some ministries, departments and agencies.

The first batch is likely to meet the September deadline set by the president.

It was gathered, that the meeting between the two leaders focused on what Buhari had done in the last 100 days, the challenges at hand, and the composition of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

A highly-placed source said: “Apart from other national issues, the president took time to explain the criteria he will be using to appoint his ministers. He said he might try new hands instead of using the same set of people that had served Nigerians.

“He also said anyone with tainted records or with issues on corruption may not get a slot in his cabinet. I think he is on the same page with Obasanjo on the anti-corruption agenda.

“The president restated why he would need a team to fix basic things in the country.”

Responding to a question, the source said: “Buhari did not mention any name on the cabinet list to Obasanjo but he spoke on the benchmarks for would-be appointees and those he won’t accept.”

Read also: Obj, Buhari hold secret talks

After the closed door session, ex-President Obasanjo refused to speak with newsmen at the Presidential Villa.

When pressed to respond to reporters’ enquiry, Obasanjo said: “Comot joo” (go away).”

According to a reliable source, the president may name the cabinet in phases because of the likely merger of some ministries, departments and agencies in line with the recommendations of the Ahmed Joda Transition Committee.

It was learnt that the president might name ministers for key portfolios like Petroleum Resources, Finance, Works, Aviation, Health, and Justice.

The source added: “The president is ready to keep to the September deadline but one of the options on the card is to name ministers in batches because of the likely merger of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“For instance, the Ministry of Special Duties is likely to be scrapped because it is only being used for constituency projects and other questionable contracts.

“Rather than keeping the nation waiting, the list may go to the National Assembly in batches.”

It was still unclear if the president will reduce the size of the cabinet from 42 to 36 or a lower figure.

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