DSS concludes Screening: Falana, Utomi, Odimegwu others, make list

Indications have emerged that the Department of State Service (DSS) have concluded its screening of ministerial nominees, for the President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet with more names emerging.

It was learnt that a former Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Limited, Festus Odimegwu and a former presidential candidate, Pat Utomi, are amongst those who may have made it.

Others who are said to have been screened as ministerial nominees for the cabinet also include a former Governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; and a Lagos-lawyer, Femi Falana .

Also on the list are a former Chief of Army,  Abdulrahman Dambazu (retd.); an ex-chief executive of the Federal Inland Revenue, Ifueko Omoigui-Okaru; a former finance commissioner in Lagos State, Wale Edun; and a former National Legal Adviser to the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, Abubakar Malami.

There are high chances, according to  sources within the All Progressives Congress that Falana, who was jailed by Buhari over 30 years ago, may be favoured to emerge as the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation. However sources say  Malami is being favoured by the President for the same position.

BusinessDay on Sunday had earlier reported that the President may announce his cabinet before the end of this week.

Last week the President had while speaking at a joint press briefing in Aburi Ghana, assured Nigerians that he would announce his cabinet before the end of September. “After I was sworn-in,  I said I will have my cabinet in September. I expect that Nigerians should ask me questions after the 30th of September if I do not do so,” he had said.

 

Elizabeth Archibong