On taking the oath of office, President Tinubu hit the ground running with a myriad of policy reforms, a clear departure from the state of affairs hitherto experienced in the past eight years.
Apart from making policy statements which signify that a new helmsman has taken over the reins of government,he has been consulting widely with a view to assembling a list of ministerial nominees for submission to the national assembly who will be saddled with the onerous task of screening and confirming their suitability or otherwise.
This represents the crux of this advisory to the president that in choosing members of his team,competence,capacity and track records must be brought to bear rather than party affiliation,ethnic groupings and other primordial considerations.
Taking into cognizance the centripetal role ministers play in the smooth functioning of any administration,jettisoning this basic requirements will be tantamount to heading for the brick-wall.As good students of history.We recall with mixed feelings the pathetic stories of political leaders whose noble intentions for the populace was truncated by members of the cabinet who were hell bent on pilfering state resources using their ministries as conduct pipes.
Therefore,reminiscing on past administrations that performed creditably well in the country,it is quite obvious that a key factor responsible for their success was anchored on the caliber of their cabinet.Hence,considering the presidents track record in Lagos state where he had assembled a pool of experts and technocrats to serve in his administration,we expect nothing short of a re-enactment on the national stage.
Since the list is yet to be officially released,it will amount to jumping the gun if we attempt to critique it.Hence,we are advocating for appointment of the right caliber of individuals and proper assignments to ministries.We are stating unequivocally that ministerial appointments should not be used as instruments of part loyalty repayment or settlement.
To state it more succinctly,due to the developmental quagmire and conundrum the nation has suffered,the onus lies on the president to demonstrate the requisite capacity and political will to revamp the nation and set her on the path of development through his cabinet appointments.This expectation which demonstrates the wishes from the populace must not be frustrated.
For the president to make frantic efforts to finalise a ministerial list in less than two months in office is in sharp contrast with his predecessor who could not do same for six months.
It can also imply tenacity, assiduousness and pragmatism.While our fingers remain crossed, we must sound a caveat that president Tinubu should not sacrifice meritocracy on the altar of familiarity especially with the burden of proving to Nigerians that he is the man who the cap fits.
*Edidiong S. Akpabio, Author, Researcher and Public Affairs Analyst, can be reached on [email protected]
