President Bola Tinubu Forwards a Fresh List of 19 Ministerial Nominees for Senate Confirmation

In an unprecedented move, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday forwarded a fresh list of 19 ministerial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, highlighting his commitment to a comprehensive and diverse cabinet. This move follows the conclusion of the screening of the initial 28 ministerial nominees.

Key Figures Among the Ministerial Nominees

The names included in this remarkable selection provide insights into President Tinubu’s strategic thinking. Notable among the nominees are former Osun State governor, Adegboyega Oyetola; former Kebbi governor Atiku Bagudu; former Zamfara governor, Bello Matawalle; and former Yobe governor, Ibrahim Geidam. Additionally, former Plateau governor, Simon Lalong, and Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, son of a former Kogi State governor, Abubakar Audu, make an appearance.

Three other former senators, Sabi Abdullahi from Niger State, Alkali Ahmed Saidu from Gombe State, and Heineken Lokpobori from Bayelsa State, have been nominated.

A unique addition to the list is Zephaniah Jisalo, an indigene of Abuja and a former chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

Senate Proceedings

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the names at the plenary after successfully concluding the screening of the initial 28 ministerial nominees. The Chief of State, Femi Gbajabiamila, delivered the list to the Senate President during the Committee of the Whole session.

The Senate is set to reconvene on Friday to commence the screening of this new ministers-designate. This swift action reflects the urgency and importance attached to the process of selecting those who will be responsible for the nation’s crucial portfolios.

Continuation of a Comprehensive Approach

President Tinubu had previously forwarded a list of 28 ministerial nominees to the Senate for confirmation. Those former nominees, whose screening concluded on Wednesday, were drawn from 25 states. The newly added list contains nominees from the remaining 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reflecting a balanced approach.

Full List of the Nominees

Below is the complete list of the ministerial nominees:

• Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo
• Bosun Tijani
• Dr Maryam Shetty
• Isiaka Salako
• Tunji Alausa
• Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu
• Adegboyega Oyetola
• Atiku Bagudu
• Bello Matawalle
• Ibrahim Geidam
• Simon Lalong
• Lola Ade John
• Shuaibu Abubakar Audu
• Prof Tahir Mamman
• Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi
• Senator Alkali Ahmed Saidu
• Senator Heineken Lokpobori
• Uba Maigari Ahmadu
• Zephaniah Bitrus Jisalo

Conclusion

The addition of these 19 ministerial nominees, making the total number now 47, illustrates President Bola Tinubu’s intention to leverage various political and regional talents. It also underscores the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and the need for experienced hands in key ministerial roles. All eyes will be on the Senate on Friday as they embark on the vital process of confirming these new ministers-designate.