President Muhammadu Buhari publicly promised Nigerians that he would include more youths and women in his next level administration. Surprisingly, the absence of many youths among his nominees shocked many Nigerians and also sent a wrong signal.
Since his inauguration on May 29, Nigerians were anxious to see who is who on the list of ministerial nominees so as to assess their qualities and credibility whether the over-echoed next level agenda will be realistic or not.
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This time around, President Buhari assured Nigerians that he would only appoint people he knew. Of course, the Buhari administration wants to address the myriad of problems that have become cogs, in the wheel of Nigerian’s development hence, requires capable hands. There is the urgent need for trained technocrats who are armed with technical know-how to revive the economy, security and other relevant sectors. However, the new ministers have fall short of standard and may likely not deliver the much-talked “Next Level Agenda.” Many political observers are visibly shocked and surprised that the list is made up of former governors and senators; some of whom are under investigation of anti-corruption agencies, this raises the credibility question. How can Buhari, who abhors corruption, nominate politicians who are being investigated for corruption?
Also, Nigerians have been reacting to the list of ministerial nominees, especially with the return of some ministers who are elderly and have been disconnected with their communities. Moreover, the way and manner with which the list was submitted without portfolios have robbed the policy analysts the opportunity to know how the ministers will drive the policy direction of the government. With the increase of numbers of the ministers, the Ministry of Power, Housing and Works needs to be split and assigned to the people that have good performance record to foster development.
Education is at decay level, security is one step forward and three steps backward; corruption is everywhere and it makes the Ministry of Justice perform below expectation. There are reported cases of human rights abuses, both at home and abroad. Many matters are required to be tackled in Nigeria and the challenges are numerous, but there is still a way forward. Mr. President should take the lead as he is the one who knows the way, define new directions and show his team the way. Remember, it is time to implement the Next Level in both the concept and practise. By so doing, the potentialities of Nigeria will be fully harnessed to bring socio-economy development to the country.
Idris Mohammed,
Abuja.
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