Political stakeholders and public commentators have expressed dissatisfaction with the list of ministerial nominees submitted by President Tinubu, stating that they lack innovation and fresh ideas to address the nation's socio-economic challenges. They urge the president to deploy ministers according to their areas of expertise and to prioritize technocrats who can turn the nation's fortune around.
LAGOS - Following the screening of the ministerial nominees whose names were sent to the Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, political stakeholders across the country have expressed dissatisfaction at the calibre of people that will constitute the new government.
Public commentators have roundly faulted the president's choice, arguing that he has only recycled well-known faces in the political arena believed to be - in a manner of speaking - worn out and have nothing fresh, or innovative, to offer.
Those who spoke with our correspondent lamented that President Tinubu's new men are not the best he could have assembled, especially at this time of very pressing socio-economic crises.
Nonetheless, they urge President Tinubu to put round pegs in round holes by deploying the new ministers according to their areas of specialization.
They also advise that he make use of technocrats who can turn the nation's fortune around for the benefits of Nigerians.
A politician who spoke anonymously, noted that he would have preferred young, dynamic, and innovative men and women who can rev up governance and be result-oriented.
A public servant who also did not want his name mentioned said he was as disappointed as many Nigerians when the first batch of names was revealed.
"Nevertheless, we expect them to start work immediately and end the rather uncoordinated pace of governance in the country at present.
"I also want to see how much they can revive accountability in the system," he said.
On his part, Barrister Alaowei Ebikonbowei Cleric, a Warri-based human rights lawyer, noted that the incoming ministers will not have uniform performance but will work according to their capabilities and ministries.
Barrister Cleric, Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Centre for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Crusade (CHURAC), and former Special Assistant (Political) to the former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, said: "I do not expect the performances of the new ministers to be uniform because they are to work based on the portfolios given to them.
"The most critical area Nigerians expect the government to tackle is the economy, especially by reducing the cost of living occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, among other factors."
Barrister Emeka Iheonu, a Lagos-based lawyer and member of the African Bar Association (ABA), in his response to the nominees' screening, said: "The main focus of the ministers should be the completion of ongoing projects that are beneficial to the masses."
He stressed that the ministers should also identify and drastically reduce wastage in expenditures, identify and seal off corruption loopholes and improve on service deliveries, among others.
Also, Prof John Ebhomien, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and former World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) expert, said: "The main focus of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's ministers should be probity, accountability, and good governance.
Prof Ebhomien stressed: "We have seen in the past unprecedented cases of corruption at all levels of government.
"In addition, they should put in place appropriate mechanisms for good governance and sustainable development.
"People are yearning for good roads, affordable health care delivery, education, prices of foods, security of life and property. This is the time for action.
"People's expectations are high. So, they cannot afford to fail. All hands must be on deck. The ministers should know that they are accountable to Nigerians.
"They should write their names in good books. History will not forget those who performed beyond expectations."
Rev. Dr. Felix Nwosu, Imo State-born cleric and General Overseer of Christ Foundation Sabbath Mission, stated: "My advice for them is that they should know that for now the Nigerian nation is in a mess and in trouble.
"So, based on that, Nigeria as a nation needs repairers, remakers, and rebuilders, visionary and capable men and women, who will be ready to serve the nation and not those who will be gloating over their ministerial positions and being members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
"They should not be filled with pride, ego, and intimidation, but ones with a vision to revive and reposition the Nigerian nation.
"President Ahmed Bola Tinubu (GCFR) should give them specific tasks to deliver within a specific period or get fired. He should instill in them the spirit of serious national business for accomplishment.
They should not be armchair ministers without achievements to show for their positions. With armchair ministers, Nigeria will continue to be on its knees, begging for healing and wellness.
"But, with technocrats as ministers who are hungry for service delivery, the Nigerian nation will recover with speed."
Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-13 News
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