BREAKING: Fani-Kayode, Keyamo missing out as Tinubu unveils ministerial list

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded his ministerial list to the Senate, with some notable omissions, including former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, and lawyer, Festus Keyamo. The list, however, includes prominent names such as former Kaduna State Governor Nasiru El-Rufai, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, and renowned medical scholar Ali Pate.

Other nominees in the list are legal luminary Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), economist Olawale Edun, banker Adebayo Adelabu, former Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, APC Women Leader Mrs. Betta Edu, Senator Ben Ayade, and eminent journalist Dele Alake, who currently serves as the Special Adviser on Media, Strategy, and Special Duties.

President Tinubu sent the list to Senate President Godswill Akpabio in accordance with the constitutional requirement that the list should reach the National Assembly within 60 days after the presidential inauguration, with the deadline for submission being this weekend.

The list represents a blend of politicians and technocrats, reflecting the national character and outlook of the President and the ruling party. Tinubu’s focus has been on forming an inclusive and competent government to drive his ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda in the national interest.

While the specific portfolios and number of nominees are yet to be confirmed, the list was crafted following extensive consultations with members of the ruling APC National Caucus, the Progressive Governors’ Forum, top party leaders, and relevant stakeholders. The emphasis was on nominating experienced and dedicated individuals without any political baggage.

Some of the expected candidates and their potential portfolios include Ali Pate, a former Minister of State (Health), likely to be assigned to the Health portfolio; Nyesom Wike, a lawyer and former Minister of State for Education; and Nasiru El-Rufai, possibly taking up the Power Ministry, given his previous role as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The screening of the nominees is set to take place next week, as the Senate postponed its recess to accommodate the list’s reception and the subsequent screening process.