Contrary to what obtained in the last 16 years, state
governors appeared to have lost influence to make input into the appointment of
ministers.
The governors, especially those elected on the platform of
the All Progressives Congress (APC) have found it difficult to penetrate
President Muhammadu Buhari to pick their nominees as ministers.
Also, some Senators, who are godfathers in their states,
might be unable to install their stooges as ministers.
In deference to the principle of Separation of Powers, there
were indications that Buhari may not accept imposition of nominees on him by
some leaders of the National Assembly.
But the jostle for ministerial ticket is assuming a hot race
in Kwara, Sokoto, Gombe, Enugu, Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Katsina, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom,
Anambra, and Bauchi,
Investigation by our correspondent showed that apart from
deference to party supremacy, President Buhari has largely been his own man in
appointing members of his cabinet.
It was learnt that although some governors had attempted to
recommend some nominees, the president is insisting on merit.
The same dilemma is confronting some influential Senators
and leaders of the House of Representatives.
According to findings, Buhari is sticking to the principle
of separation of powers instead of throwing the ministerial nomination open.
The discipline being employed by the president in choosing
his cabinet members accounted for the delay in appointing commissioners in some
states.
It was gathered that the governors prefer to compensate
their loyalists, who may be schemed out of ministerial slots, as commissioners.
A reliable source said: “Unlike in the past, most governors
are stranded this because the president will not ask them to nominate
ministers. Some of them attempted to make recommendations but did not succeed.
“In fact, the same game is playing out with influential
Senators who have found it difficult to lobby for their candidates as
ministerial nominees.
“Buhari is trying to be his own man as far as the choice of
ministers is concerned. The only thing he reckons with is party supremacy. He also
wants to adhere to constitutional provision on the appointment of ministers.
“The governors could not have their way because Buhari has
refused to ask for any office slot or favour from any governor, including his
own governor, Aminu Masari of Katsina State.”
As at press time, investigation confirmed that the jostle
for ministerial slot is keen in Kwara, Sokoto, Gombe, Enugu, Lagos, Ondo,
Ekiti, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Niger, Delta, Edo,
Kogi, and Adamawa.
Some godfathers in the affected states were said to be
panicking because of recent political developments in the country, especially
in the National Assembly.
Another source said: “Those who have no respect for party
supremacy cannot recommend or nominate ministers. Respect begets respect.
“This is why the president is looking for credible hands
whom they cannot disqualify under a flimsy excuse or the other.”
THE NATION had exclusively reported that the president is on
the final lap of consultations with some leaders of the All Progressives
Congress (APC).
It was learnt that the president has met with some leaders
of the party on the shape of his cabinet, those who may be on board and what he
intends to do.
But he is yet to unveil his list of cabinet members to the leadership
of the party.
It was unclear if the President will reduce the size of the
cabinet from 42 to 36 or a lower figure.
Section 147(1-3) directs the President to appoint at least
36 ministers unless the constitution is amended.
The section reads:
“There shall be such offices of Ministers of the Government of the
Federation as may be established by the President.
“Any appointment to the office of Minister of the Government
of the Federation shall, if the nomination of any person to such office is
confirmed by the Senate, be made by the President.
“Any appointment under subsection (2) of this section by the
President shall be in conformity with the provisions of section 14(3) of this
Constitution:
“Provided that in giving effect to the Provisions aforesaid
the President shall appoint at least one Minister from each state, who shall be
an indigene of such state.”
Credit: Nation
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