Buhari Likely To Submit Ministerial List Before Weekend, Says Senate President

The President of the ninth Senate, Ahmed Lawan, on Wednesday said President Muhammadu Buhari may submit the list of ministerial nominees for consideration and approval before the end of the week.

Lawan, said this during Wednesday’s plenary in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly in Abuja.

Lawan stated this following a point of order on the issue by Senator Albert Bassey Akpan who represents Akwa Ibom North-East senatorial district.

Akpan had reminded the senators of their long recess coming up and the need for President Muhammadu Buhari to constitute a cabinet. He came under Order 43 of the Senate Standing Order.

According to him, “It’s just a very simple reminder to our colleagues that based on our calendar, and we understand your passion towards supporting Mr President to achieve his aim for a new Nigeria.

“But based on our own calendar, I think we should be proceeding on our long annual vacation in the next two weeks and I also know that in line with your vision for new Nigeria, you believe that we should return the country to January to December budget fiscal period.

“If we are going on recess in two weeks and by now we have not received the ministerial nominees. It means we have to put ourselves under intense pressure. I’m just calling the attention of Mr President that there is a need for you to urge Mr President to send the list of ministerial nominees.”

In his response, the Senate President told the lawmakers that the Executive Arm was working to ensure that the list was ready before they proceed on their annual two-month break.

“I think this is to inform this Senate that the executive arm is working hard to get the list to the Senate.

“I can imagine that before this week runs out, we could get the list. But I want to assure you that once we get the list, every senator here has shown the desire to stay long enough to screen and confirm the nominees in the interest of this country,” he said.