NIGERIA: President Buhari To Head Ministry Of Petroleum Himself

According to Premium Times, the Nigerian leader broke the news about the Ministry of Petroleum head on Tuesday, September 29, in New York in the course of the Global Leaders’ Summit on Countering ISIL and Violent Extremism.

It should be recalled that shortly after the May 29 inauguration indications emerged that Buhari was set to appoint himself at the petroleum minister as “nobody’s hands are clean enough to do the surgical changes needed”, which was said by one of the president’s associates.

Buhari yesterday unveiled the new appointee for the position, and that is himself.

“I will remain minister of petroleum. I will appoint a minister of state for petroleum.”

The Nigerian leader, who had identified anti-graft war as one of his government’s priorities, explained that the aim of the move was to ensure eliminating corruption and massive theft in the sector.

The politician further vowed to start the probe of the corrupt officials of the past administrations involved in public funds stealing using the NNPC revenue.

As for the other candidacies, which Buhari had promised to forward till the end of September, their names are expected to be directed to the National Assembly today.

Welcoming Nigeria’s senators on Tuesday after the recess, Senate president Bukola Saraki noted that the screening process would be very accurate.

“As we await the list of ministerial nominees this week, we are prepared to treat the screening with dispatch but with thoroughness. I believe the presence of ministers will create the space for greater policy engagement with the executive arm of government.

“I want to urge you all my colleagues to ensure that what is uppermost in our minds as we begin the constitutional task of screening of ministerial nominees is the overall interest of our country.

“Once the list is submitted, let us ensure that we treat it with dispatch and thoroughness. We must not be held down by unnecessary politicking. The enormity of our national challenges at this time does not give room for pettiness or politics of vendetta.”

President Buhari has been harshly criticized over his delay in appointing the cabinet. However, in a recent period the president has vowed several times to make up his mind on the ministers till the end of September. This topic has become one of the most widely discussed political issues in the country.