Ministerial list: Give me more time to choose those I know personally- President Buhari tells NASS

President Buhari has asked members of the National Assembly to give him more time to compile the names of those who will serve as Ministers in his yet-to-be-formed cabinet.

President Buhari assumed office for a second term on May 29th and is yet to announce those who will be working as Minsiters and Special advisers.

On Wednesday July 10th, the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, had hinted that the president will send the list of nominees for Ministerial position to the senate for screening and confirmation before the week runs out. Read here.

However speaking to the lawmakers at a dinner in the state House Abuja last night, President Buhari asked for more time to compile the list as he wants to work with only people he knows personally.

Recall that in 2015 when he assumed office, the president announced members of his cabinet six months after.

Speaking to the lawmakers last night, the President said in 2015, he was handed a list by his party for those that will serve as Ministers in his government but this time around, he wants to pick them by himself. He acknowledged that he is under immense pressure to release his ministerial list.

Many at this dinner meeting are saying they want to see the list of the proposed cabinet so that they can go on leave peacefully. I’m very much aware about it; I’m under tremendous pressure on it. But the last cabinet which I headed, most of them, the majority of them I didn’t know them. I had to accept the names and recommendations from the party and other individuals.  I worked with them for three and half years at least – meeting twice or two weeks in a month. So, I know them.

But, this time round, I’m going to be quiet me,  me in the sense that I will pick people I personally know.” he said

The Senate President however denied reports that he said the Ministerial list will be released this week. Speaking to state house correspondents after the dinner, Lawan said

“Let me take this opportunity to correct that. A senator raised a point of order under personal explanation and he said we should be sent the list of ministers by the executive arm of government.

“And in my response I said the executive is working so hard to ensure that the list of Nigerians that will help this administration work is going to be constituted, we could even receive it this week. Could is conditional and I will urge everybody here to report it as it is.”