…Obanikoro now minister of state for foreign affairs II.
…Akwashiki is information minister.
By Nuel Suji, Abuja.
President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday swore in the new set of ministers cleared by the Senate, urging them to contribute their quotas at this “injury time.”
President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday swore in the new set of ministers cleared by the Senate, urging them to contribute their quotas at this “injury time.”
Former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, (Lagos) was sworn in as the Minister of State Foreign Affairs II, while Nicholas Ada (Benue) is now the Minister of State Foreign Affairs I.
Obanikoro’s appointment became controversial following an alleged involvement in election rigging in Ekiti governorship election, prompting stiff opposition from All Progressive Congress senators to his clearance at the senate.
Jonathan also made minor cabinet reshuffle as he named Alhassan Khaliru the Minister of Health while Fidelis Nwankwo, is now the new Minister of State for Health.
Other ministers sworn in include: Patricia Akwashiki (Nasarawa) as Minister of Information; and
Augustine Akobundu (Abia State) as Minister of State, Defence.
Also sworn in are Hauwa’u Bappa, as Minister of State Niger Delta Affairs; Kenneth Kobani (Rivers) as Minister of State Industry, Trade and Investment; Joel Ikenya (Taraba), Minister of Labour.
President Jonathan also swore in two Federal Civil Service Commissioners – Jonah Madugo, who will represent Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa states and National Population Commission, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyi.
In his remarks, Jonathan told the new Ministers to contribute their quotas noting that they are coming in at an “injury time” and that Nigerians will be watching their moves.
“For the ministers this is an injury time, he said. Adding that : It is like bringing a player when you have just five minutes to go in a football match. So everyone wants to know what that player will do, the magic the player will perform within that short period. The player himself will be struggling to at least kick the ball before the end of the game.
“So you are coming in at a quite challenging period and I believe that a number of people will not envy you because government is coming to a close.
“For the member of the Federal Civil Service Commission, civil service is key; is the engine room of government.
“The greatest problem that people complain about is the issues of discipline in the service. I believe that with you coming to join others, you will continue to modernize the federal civil service.
“For the National Population Commission, we are thinking of how to go for another head count. And every country wants to know the exact population for the purpose of planning and all that. I believe this is a good team and listening to your citations all of you are eminently qualified to hold any office in this country. And we believe that you will join us to serve our nation.” he said.
