AGAINST all expectations, the 38 ministers-designates recently screened by the National Assembly and confirmed to serve as ministers in a new cabinet under Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, were still waiting to be sworn in as no date has been confirmed by the Presidency.
Although the Acting President was earlier scheduled to inaugurate the new cabinet on Thursday, it was not possible following the delay by various political interests in harmonizing their respective nominees for possible confirmation.
As a result of this unforeseen delay, the Acting President was compelled to send the list of nominees in batches, and this undoubtedly also led to the delay in the screening exercise by the lawmakers; even as they had to hasten the confirmation.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Acting President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ima Niboro, had told State House Correspondents, Tuesday, that he did not know when the new ministers would be inaugurated, saying that “when the times comes we will let you
Speaking on the screening exercise, Niboro said Jonathan remained grateful for the efforts of the senior lawmakers.
He said: “We must commend the Senate for the speed with which they have worked. It showed their level of commitment to moving the nation forward. It is a continuation of all the good works they have been doing to save the nation and get the nation moving again. We commend them and I must tell you that the Acting President is grateful to the Nigerian Senate.”