After securing victory in the presidential election, President Bola Tinubu’s approach to forming his cabinet raised expectations for a swift and efficient process. Unlike his predecessor’s delayed ministerial nominations, Tinubu’s meticulous selection process surprised many.
The anticipation built as the President submitted his list of 28 ministerial nominees to the Senate on July 27, just hours before the legal deadline. Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila emphasized the careful scrutiny each nominee underwent, dispelling any rush.
A second list of 19 nominees arrived on August 2, surpassing earlier predictions. This brought the total to 48 candidates up for confirmation. The Senate’s duty to assess qualifications, competence, and potential criminal issues was discussed by former Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
The ministerial screening, spanning two weeks, held moments of intrigue and amusement. Some nominees sailed through, while others faced intense questioning. A memorable exchange revolved around Bello Muhammed’s university admissions, sparking debate on qualifications.
Further drama arose when Prof. Joseph Utsev’s early schooling was revealed, leading to a humorous defense by Senator Elisha Abbo. Meanwhile, Nasir El-Rufai faced a petition during his screening, causing a temporary halt.
A nominee’s old tweets also stirred attention. Bosun Tijani’s past remarks on Nigeria sparked discussion, but his explanation highlighted frustration over visa issues.
Former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, encountered controversy during his screening. An attempt to suspend his nomination was met with a heated session, later resolved with an apology.
In the end, the Senate confirmed 45 of the 48 ministerial nominees. Notably absent were names including former governor El-Rufai and others awaiting security clearance.
While past nominee experiences were often challenging, the current Senate showed a more lenient approach. President Tinubu’s careful selection process, alongside the Senate’s diligence, ultimately led to a successful cabinet confirmation.