By Ihechukwu Sunday
The candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has expressed doubt over the capacity of some minister designates to perform in their assigned portfolios as most of the ministries over lap one another. He added that the exercise could prevent effective and efficient delivery of the various ministries mandate as some of the Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), under the new ministries might find it difficult to function effectively.
He said the arrangement of the ministries would also have the Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF) waste a lot of time to clarify and harmonise the territorial fight among the ministries and ministers.
This followed the announcement of the portfolios to the minister-designates by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.
His reaction came amidst biting hardship being experienced by Nigerians, following the recent removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the naira against the dollar without corresponding productive capacity; a development that has resulted in an unstable economy as the naira keeps depreciating, thereby, forcing prices of goods and services to rise beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, “It is an unquestionably exclusive prerogative of Mr. President to assign and designate his ministers. From what @officialABAT has announced, I fear that the most important ministry needed now is the Federal Ministry of Confusion and Clarification. I wish this cabinet the best of luck. “
He further asked why there should be a Coordinating Minister of Finance against budget and economy.
He said: “Innovation under three different ministries – Culture, Digital, and Science Technology.
“Marine and Blue Economy is tautology plus fisheries under agriculture.
“Social welfare under health not the complimentary social services; Coordinating Minister of Health is hyperbolic.
“Transport is simply the ministry of land transport or the ministry of railways. “
Recall that Tinubu on Wednesday assigned some persons to man the key ministries like Finance, Works, Aviation, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Education, Solid Minerals, and Agriculture, among others.
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Obi prays for God to grant Soludo greater heights Chuks Eze The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, has called on the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo to show humility, gratitude and compassion, following what he described as an ‘unfortunate and bitter’ outburst by the governor. Speaking to journalists at the just-concluded Nigeria Guild of Editors meeting at the NAF Conference Center, Abuja, Obi congratulated Soludo for securing a second tenure and urged him to appreciate God’s mercies by responding to victory with grace rather than resentment. Obi’s remarks came after Soludo provoked controversy during his certificate-of-return ceremony, where he mocked his critics by calling Obi a ‘frustrated politician without a club’ and accused him of damaging the education system in Anambra. “I feel compelled to respond because if I do not, I will be accused of dodging the question,” Obi said, expressing surprise at Soludo’s remarks. “On an occasion meant to celebrate his certificate of return, instead of thanking Almighty God for granting him a second tenure; a moment to demonstrate love and magnanimity, he chose to show bitterness and resentment. It was deeply unfortunate.” Obi clarified his involvement in the recent Anambra election, saying, “I only attended three public events with the Labour Party candidate, strictly where I was invited. At none of these events did I mention anyone by name or meet with traditional rulers, market leaders or any other group to discuss candidates. There was nothing I said to warrant controversy or speculation,” he stressed. Reflecting on the Election Day, Obi recounted how he quietly fulfilled his civic duty, conscious of the weight of responsibility that comes with leadership. “I witnessed irregularities and disruptions that could have easily escalated into chaos,” he said. “When outsiders attempted to cast votes in our community, I stepped in and urged my people to remain calm and allow them to act peacefully. In that moment, I was reminded that integrity must always take precedence over politics. True leadership is measured, not by the contest for power, but by the courage to uphold fairness, restraint and the dignity of our people, even in the most trying circumstances.” Addressing Soludo’s mocking remarks, he used a vivid metaphor from football to clarify his perspective: “On the day of the election, journalists approached me as if I were on the ballot. I reminded them that I served as governor 13 years ago and have since moved on to a higher level in national politics. In football terms, if gubernatorial candidates are in the first division, I am in the Champions League. I ran for Vice President in 2019 and for President in 2023, winning 11 states and Abuja. I play well at that level, and my record speaks for itself.” He also reflected on his age and historic achievements in Anambra State. “In both the old and new Anambra, only Jim Nwobodo and I became governors in our 40s. I was the first to serve a second tenure. I have no personal issue with Governor Soludo. I pray that God grants him even greater heights, if that will inspire him to show humility, compassion and a genuine concern for the people,” he said. He concluded with an appeal, saying, “We must recognise the mercies God grants us. Leadership is not about resentment or bitterness; it is about service, gratitude, and love for our people.”
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