Obasanjo/Jonathan rift, governors’ defection, National Conference, others to shape Nigeria’s politics in 2014 (Scene 3)
National Dialogue
Another issue that could shape the political scene in 2014 is the proposed national dialogue, which holds in February. The direction of the national conference might also determine the direction of the
polity. The Conference Committee headed by Femi Okunroumu, which was set up in October to work out modalities has since submitted its report to the President. However, criticisms are still trailing the
planned national talks, as the APC has rejected it completely. Mr. Jonathan’s plan to turn in the decisions of the conference to the National Assembly has also generated heat. But what is fuelling more criticisms is the suspicion that it will be used to prolong the president’s tenure. The APC is believed to have dissociated itself from the proposed dialogue for this reason. Some governors, including those of the PDP have also reportedly kicked against the event.
Ministerial appointments
The composition of the federal cabinet might play a critical role in the nation’s political event in 2014. Already, no fewer than seven ministries are without substantive ministers. Mr. Jonathan in
his first major cabinet shake-up fired nine ministers in September 2013. Those affected were Ruqayyatu Rufai (Education); Zainab Kunchi (Power, state); Olugbenga Ashiru (Foreign Affairs); Ama Pepple (Lands
and Housing); Shamsudeen Usman (National Planning); Ita Okon (Science and Technology); Hadiza Mailafia (Environment); Buka Tijani (Agriculture, state) and Olusola Obada (Defence, state).
Some of those fired were believed to be the nominees of some ‘rebel’ governors whose wings the president allegedly wanted to clip and force them into submission in the battle for political supremacy. But there is the feeling that Mr. Jonathan might fire more ministers especially those who are protégés of some of the PDP big wigs who have dumped the party for the APC or who are opposed to his re-election.
Among the names being bandied in the media is Bolaji Abdullahi, the Sports Minister, who is
a nominee of Bukola Saraki, a senator and ex- leader of PDP in Kwara. Mr. Saraki and his followers, including the Kwara governor, have since joined the APC. Another name being mentioned is Akinwunmi Adeshina, the Agriculture minister, who is believed to have been nominated by Mr. Obasanjo. Both ministers are, however, two of the few who have been widely commended for Nigeria’s achievements in their sectors during their tenure; a factor that could work in their favour.
Some other ministers who could be let go so as to pursue their governorship ambitions in their states are Caleb Olukolade (Police Affairs) from Ekiti State, Labaran Maku (Information) from Nasarawa; and Bala Mohammed (FCT, Abuja) from Bauchi.
Any removal and replacement of the ministers will certainly alter the shape of politics as the nation
approaches the election year.
Another issue that could shape the political scene in 2014 is the proposed national dialogue, which holds in February. The direction of the national conference might also determine the direction of the
polity. The Conference Committee headed by Femi Okunroumu, which was set up in October to work out modalities has since submitted its report to the President. However, criticisms are still trailing the
planned national talks, as the APC has rejected it completely. Mr. Jonathan’s plan to turn in the decisions of the conference to the National Assembly has also generated heat. But what is fuelling more criticisms is the suspicion that it will be used to prolong the president’s tenure. The APC is believed to have dissociated itself from the proposed dialogue for this reason. Some governors, including those of the PDP have also reportedly kicked against the event.
Ministerial appointments
The composition of the federal cabinet might play a critical role in the nation’s political event in 2014. Already, no fewer than seven ministries are without substantive ministers. Mr. Jonathan in
his first major cabinet shake-up fired nine ministers in September 2013. Those affected were Ruqayyatu Rufai (Education); Zainab Kunchi (Power, state); Olugbenga Ashiru (Foreign Affairs); Ama Pepple (Lands
and Housing); Shamsudeen Usman (National Planning); Ita Okon (Science and Technology); Hadiza Mailafia (Environment); Buka Tijani (Agriculture, state) and Olusola Obada (Defence, state).
Some of those fired were believed to be the nominees of some ‘rebel’ governors whose wings the president allegedly wanted to clip and force them into submission in the battle for political supremacy. But there is the feeling that Mr. Jonathan might fire more ministers especially those who are protégés of some of the PDP big wigs who have dumped the party for the APC or who are opposed to his re-election.
Among the names being bandied in the media is Bolaji Abdullahi, the Sports Minister, who is
a nominee of Bukola Saraki, a senator and ex- leader of PDP in Kwara. Mr. Saraki and his followers, including the Kwara governor, have since joined the APC. Another name being mentioned is Akinwunmi Adeshina, the Agriculture minister, who is believed to have been nominated by Mr. Obasanjo. Both ministers are, however, two of the few who have been widely commended for Nigeria’s achievements in their sectors during their tenure; a factor that could work in their favour.
Some other ministers who could be let go so as to pursue their governorship ambitions in their states are Caleb Olukolade (Police Affairs) from Ekiti State, Labaran Maku (Information) from Nasarawa; and Bala Mohammed (FCT, Abuja) from Bauchi.
Any removal and replacement of the ministers will certainly alter the shape of politics as the nation
approaches the election year.
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