It’s been forty days since President Bola Tinubu‘s inauguration, and people are starting to worry about the lack of a federal cabinet.
Despite a productive start, Nigerians are anxious for this pace to continue so the President can achieve his goals.
There’s a particular worry that the delay in appointing a cabinet might mirror the slow start of his predecessor.
By law, within 60 days of taking office, President Tinubu should send his cabinet list to the Senate for approval.
Despite this deadline and concerns over the nation’s state, the President has only appointed Special Advisers and new Service Chiefs, leaving many wondering why the cabinet is still incomplete.
The Presidency, through Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Dele Alake, reassured the public last Thursday.
He confirmed that President Tinubu would form his cabinet when the time is right, stating, “I can tell you all of those things you’ve been reading in the media are mere fabrications. This is an executive presidency; we’re not running a parliamentary system. So, the President, the buck stops on his table, and he decides when it’s fit and proper for him to make his cabinet list.”
People hope that Tinubu will consider character, competence, and experience in his cabinet selection.
This anticipation has sparked some competition among potential nominees, causing waves across the states.
In a related development, in Ondo State, there are appeals for President Tinubu to acknowledge Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s significant contribution to his presidential victory.
Advocates argue that Governor Akeredolu was a staunch Tinubu supporter during the 2023 campaign, mobilizing the South-West region despite opposition.
They suggest it’s only fitting that the Governor’s allies are well-represented in Tinubu’s cabinet.
Supporters in Ondo also called for adequate local representation in Tinubu’s cabinet.
They pointed to Chief Alex Ajipe, Director of the Humanitarian and Social Directorate of the APC, South-West, as a potential cabinet member.
According to them, Ajipe’s campaign efforts and his expertise in revenue generation and policy formulation make him an asset. They believe that recognizing his efforts would promote youth inclusion and fairness in Ondo State.
Supporters also mentioned Dare Araigbaiye as a possible cabinet member, emphasizing his valuable expertise in the Sunshine State.
They urged the President to ensure the state is well represented in his administration.
