August 27, (THEWILL) – Upon assumption of office as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s palatial house in Lagos, his home State, became a “Mecca” or so to speak, “Pilgrimage” for political appointment seekers. I am aware that his friends, associates including Governors, who served between 1999 to 2007, besieged only to have a heart-to-heart contact with him.
In all, the President picked his lieutenants and sworn them in as members of his cabinet. The newly appointed ministers include:
Former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); ex-Osun state governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, as minister for Transportation.
Other new Ministers are Dele Alake, Solid Minerals; Muhammed Idris, Information; Mohammed Badaru heads Defence Ministry; Bello Mattawale, as Minister of State, while the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is being headed by Abubakar Kyari.
Abubakar Mohmoh was appointed Youths Minister, Communications and Digital Economy – Bosun, Yusuf Tuga, Foreign Affairs; Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy – Wale Edun; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi and the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate.
Betta Edu appointed Minister of Humanitarian affairs; Poverty alleviation, John Eno; Sports, Marine and Blue Economy headed by Bunni Tunji Oje, among others.
Not all that lobbied for these evitable appointments could get it. But the President has inaugurated the favoured ones among the millions that sought for the positions.
Much jobs are expected from the newly-inaugurated Ministers, especially now that we are in an economic quagmire. The country’s economic situation is nothing to write home about. The citizens are deeply worried because of the fuel pump price.
Negative implications of the uprise has drastically affected the prices of food stuffs and other goods and services across the country. Everyone is feeling the harshness of the economy. Hikes have continued to be experienced on daily basis due to the fact that fuel is vital product on our daily activities.
The Federal Government should realise that one of the things that can endear them to the citizenry remains the ability to reverse the fuel pump price to the affordable reach of everyone. Only that bold move could make Nigerians to truly believe that the Tinubu-led administration has something to offer.
From the administrations of ex-President, Goodluck Jonathan, to the immediate-past leader, Muhammadu Buhari, the ugly story appeared same. That is, Stagnancy in the system! When shall the story change for good? Hardship is never the anticipation of Nigerians from the Tinubu’s government. Only a new normal is needed this time.
Ministerial appointments should no longer be regarded as a “Political settlement of the core loyalists”. The Ministers should be closely monitored by the President with the view of ensuring that every single project by the Federal government is completely executed devoid of excuses.
Also, a Federal Minister should see him or herself as a chosen one picked among the millions that qualified for the positions. It should not be taken as portfolios for jamboree sake or an opportunity garnered by a “gladdima” means. A federal Minister should work for the development of his State of origin. He must have become a development- conscious person whose interest should supersede that of self.
Down to Imo, The Ministerial position favoured an Oguta- born Medical Doctor turned Banker; and Immediate-past Commissioner for Finance, Dr Doris Uzorka-‘Anite. Congratulations, to her. This is first of its kind since the creation of the State that Imo indigene having the portfolio as Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment.
Imo had produced Ministerial appointees right from the inception of democratic system of government. Former Minister of Information; Chief Walter Ofonagoro, Professors Fabian Osuji and Chinwe Obaji, were Education Ministers respectively.
Recall that Professors Anthony Anwuka, who was a one-time Vice Chancellor of the Imo State University, Owerri and wife of the late Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Viola Onwuliri, had held the positions as Minister.
Achike Udenwa, who ruled Imo for Eight years; and the present Imo PDP Chairman, Chief Charles Ugwu, were in charge respectively as Ministers of Commerce and Industry. Former Imo Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Goodluck Opiah and an ex-ANPP Imo governorship candidate, Barr. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, took over as Ministers for Education, State.
Now that Imo is flying the flag as the Honourable Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Doris Uzorka-Anite is at the front burner of that ministry, what would Ndi Imo vis-a-vis Nigerians gain from her appointment as the Honourable Minister?
Dr Uzorka should use her good office to attract investors to Imo. The Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, as a bridge-builder, has always extended hands of fellowship to willing individual and groups that desire to partner towards the development of the State.
We had cried out in the past over the need to industrialise Imo and make it an industry hub like Anambra State and other States. The defunct industries along Owerri-Onitsha road Industrial layout should be revived and furnished with a state-of-the-art equipment. Resuscitating the dead establishments would create jobs for the unemployed youths and reduce criminalities in our communities.
Let us feel the positive impact of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in all ramifications across the State as one of our own is now at the helm of affairs of that sector.
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