Audu Ogbe, Oyigeya, Jime may make Buhari’s ministerial list from Benue

Though, not yet confirmed, city wags are claiming that former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Audu Ogbe has been penned down as one of the ministers to be appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari. 
Interestingly, the president is also considering former guber aspirant, Dr. Mathias Oyigeya for national assignment.

According to the list flying on social media, former guber candidate on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, Steve Ugbah is being considered for ministerial post.

The list of those reportedly sent to the Department of Security Service for screening below.

1. Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh
Chief Audu Ogbeh’s 39-year old political career has seen him rise through the ranks from state assembly member in 1979 to being minister and culminating as chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from 2001 to 2005.
Ever since leaving the PDP, the Otukpo-born politician has been an Elder statesman in the All Progressives Congress, APC and also a close confident of President Buhari.
With the President’s custom of appointing his close friends, it won’t be surprising to see Chief Ogbeh’s name on the list of ministerial nominees.

2. Professor Torkuma Steve Ugbah
Prof Ugbah appeared on the political scene after spending over 30 years in the US when he vied for the Benue Governorship seat in 2011 against former Governor Gabriel Suswam. Although he lost, the professor of marketing has retained his close ties with Senator George Akume who happens to be the biggest power broker in Benue State in the last 10 years.
Also in the last gubernatorial elections, Prof Ugbah served as the Director General of Governor Ortom’s campaign organisation. He had contested the primaries alongside Governor Ortom and even though he disputed the outcome initially, he later worked to ensure the victory of the APC candidate at the polls. He remains favourite to clinch the ministerial slot for Benue State. 

3. Dr Mathaias Oyigeya
Dr. Oyigeya, a psychiatrist by training was the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi during which his outstanding performance brought him to limelight.
After his tenure as Medical Director, he contested for the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP but lost to anointed one, Prince Terhemen Tarzoor as did Governor Samuel Ortom. He then switched to the APC before the governorship election and helped close the gap between the two parties in Benue South Senatorial zone which contributed in ensuring victory for the APC. 

4. Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN
This might surprise many, but the former Minister of Justice under late President Umaru Yar’Adua is a die hard politician.
Chief Aondoakaa announced his departure from the PDP early this year to focus on private practice and business but he has been winning and dinning with the kith and kin of APC.
The 53 year old was part of the Benue delegation that visited the president shortly after his victory at the polls and is rumoured to have contributed significantly financially in the gubernatorial elections in Benue State. 

5. Rt Hon Emmanuel Jime
A former Speaker of the BNSHA (1992 – 1993) and a former House of Reps Member (2007 – 2015), Hon Emmanuel Jime has been around for a while. He unsuccessfully contested the botched governorship primaries of the APC in Benue State and after a short legal battle, agreed to sheath his sword and withdraw his case against Governor Ortom.
Even though he claimed that he withdrew the case out of his volition, it is rumoured that the intervention of President Buhari into the matter may have included some offers on the table, one of which may have been a ministerial appointment.

Treasure Orokpo

A multi-talented individual with a passion for diverse fields, Treasure Orokpo is a trained journalist, skilled cook, and AI enthusiast. When she's not uncovering the latest stories, you can find her whipping up culinary creations in the kitchen and entertainment.

Recent Posts

Probe panel: Ortom defeats Benue state govt at appeal court

The Court of Appeal, Makurdi Division, on Thursday set aside the ruling of the Benue…

10 hours ago

Police take action over murder of lawyer Mark Ofikwu in Otukpo

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the tragic killing of prominent Otukpo-based lawyer and…

11 hours ago

BREAKING: Reps reject bill proposing six-year single tenure for president, governors

A bill proposing a six-year single term for the office of the president and state…

13 hours ago

BREAKING: Senate approves Tinubu’s ₦1.77 Trillion loan request to address 2024 Budget deficit

The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s ₦1.77 trillion ($2.2b) loan request following a voice…

14 hours ago

Finland arrests Simon Ekpa, four others over terrorism financing

Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader, Simon Ekpa, and four others have been arrested in Finland for involvement…

14 hours ago

BREAKING: Biafra: Simon Ekpa arrested in Finland

Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa, and four other persons have been arrested in Finland over…

14 hours ago