Nigerians in ‘sidon look’ mould as Tinubu's cabinet is unveiled

Mixed reactions have continued to trail the first batch of ministerial nominees made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu two months after assuming office.

After weeks of speculations, the long-awaited ministerial list was released by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio on Thursday.

On the 28 ministerial nominees’ list with no assigned portfolios are four former governors, and six women.

For many Nigerians, the ministers would have their hands full, when they eventually assume office, considering the issues on ground relating to the economy, fuel subsidy removal, education, exchange rate, among others, which need urgent attention.

For many, the new ministers coming on board should roll up their sleeves and begin to work immediately.

While many Nigerians have decided to watch and see the magic the ministers would do to turn things around, some have expressed disappointment with the list, noting that several individuals, whose names were contained therein were being simply rewarded for working for Tinubu to win the presidential poll, and not for any positive contribution to the good of the country at this time.

They further said that they expected the President to break the long tradition of rewarding loyalists with ministerial appointment. They also said that they expected him to have populated his cabinet with technocrats, considering his move to resuscitate the economy and reposition the country.

But there were those who have applauded the President for some names on the list.

Such individuals were of the view that the names were a reflection of promised made by President Tinubu to unite the country and bring about a government of national unity where all stakeholders will join hands together to move the country forward.

The reactions were gleaned from the social media and separate interviews with BusinessDay.

Adelaja Adeoye, a public affairs analyst, is particularly impressed with the nomination of Nyesom Wike and David Umahi, former governors of Rivers and Ebonyi States, respectively.

Adelaja said that the two men performed excellently well while in office and should bring their experience to bear on their new positions.

According to him, “If you look at Wike for instance, his performance as the governor of Rivers State is commendable and great, same as Umahi in Ebonyi with provision of massive road infrastructure.

“President Bola Tinubu’s quest to work with tested hands who are performers, will help him quickly navigate the ship of Nigeria away from wreck to safe sail.

“Nigerians are no longer patient with the Presiden; he needs to perform, and deliver on all his campaign promises. So, he needs those who will hit the ground running, who are vast in development, and also politics.”

Ifeanyi Okuchi, an IT expert, said the list did not give much hope of better things to come; noting that he was not surprised because he never expected much from the current administration.

“Which list are you talking about? What I saw was old politicians coming back to continue the cycle. Does it mean in a country of over 200 million, we can’t find technocrats in different fields?

“Well, I did not expect much from Tinubu and what is happening is a confirmation of my warning to my friends.

“I told them during the Presidential election; look at what we are facing now. He is bringing all these policies at the same time, things are so tight, we can’t eat,” he said.

Idayat Hassan, who leads the West Africa-focused Centre for Democracy and Development, said the Nigerian president should ensure that the appointments are fit to what their expertise really is.