President Bola Tinubu’s recent release of ministerial names has sparked curiosity and raised eyebrows as some political heavyweights, including former Plateau State Governor, HE Simon Bako Lalong, were conspicuously absent from the list.
Being the campaign Director-General and playing a crucial role in securing a resounding victory at the polls during the nationwide campaign, Governor Lalong was widely expected to be among the top contenders for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and now a ministerial position in Nigeria’s government, along with other former Governors mentioned in the list.
Surprisingly, while some former Governors, even those who defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), made it onto the ministerial list, Governor Lalong’s omission has left many shocked and speculating about the reasons behind it.
Speculations have arisen, suggesting that Governor Simon Lalong’s exclusion might be linked to recent crises in the States Party Structure. Reports indicate that some party stakeholders and leaders, such as Senator Nora Daddut, CJ Dakas, and Hon. Komsol Alphonsus Longgap, the immediate past Federal House of Representatives Member representing Mikang, Qua’an-Pan Shendam Federal, have expressed interest in the Ministerial Slot.
Other factors like loyalty to the ruling platform and recommendations from ex-governors and state chapters might also have influenced the selection process with, Governor Lalong holding a high level State APC meeting days before the announcement of the list in an effort to straighten out issues.
Some have speculated that the party’s decision focused on rewarding most of the states where the APC secured their presidential votes, potentially leaving out states that faced challenges in delivering results or dealing with internal party struggles.
States like Adamawa, Bayelsa, Gombe, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Lagos, Osun, Plateau, Yobe, and Zamfara are yet to receive ministerial nominations. Prominent figures missing from the list have further fueled speculation, leading to discussions about the possibility of a second list being submitted later.
As the nominees prepare to undergo Senate screening, their past affiliations and actions, particularly those like Nyesome Wike, who were perceived to have worked against their party during crucial elections, may come under scrutiny.
While the Tinubu Ministerial List has been commended for its commitment to gender representation, evident with the inclusion of seven women, many Nigerians have raised questions about the list, suspecting that some politicians may have been selected solely to receive rewards from the President.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, delivered the letter to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, emphasizing that Tinubu’s list aims to establish a government of inclusion and competence, prioritizing quality, inclusivity, professionalism, and geo-political balance.
As the nation eagerly awaits the unfolding of events, the speculations surrounding the ministerial list continue to fuel discussions in political circles and among citizens alike.
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