Buhari’s cabinet: Nominees Under EFCC Probe Face Tough Hurdles

Barring a last-minute change of mind on facts
available to him, President Muhammadu Buhari
may not appoint into his cabinet anybody under
probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC).
It was also gathered yesterday that the President is
under pressure from some eminent Nigerians,
including a former President, to appoint ministers
without further delay.
The President had promised to constitute his
cabinet by September, but the eminent Nigerians, it
was learnt, have advised that any further delay
would be counter-productive.
Investigation by our correspondent revealed that
anybody arrested, detained, quizzed, or arraigned
by the EFCC may not make Buhari’s cabinet in line
with his commitment to probity.
It was learnt that the heightening of arrest and
arraignment of some Politically Exposed Persons
by the EFCC and the delay in raising the Federal
Executive Council may be a setback for such
politicians and technocrats eyeing ministerial slots.
One of those who might be affected is the former
Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Steve
Oronsaye, who was said to be in contention for
either the Chief of Staff to the President or the
Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Oronsaye, who was arrested on Wednesday by the
EFCC and might be prosecuted next week, is
competing for the SGF slot with ex-governors
Rotimi Amaechi, and Ogbonnaya Onu.
It was learnt that Oronsaye is a favoured candidate
of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
It was also gathered that the petition against ex-
Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso before the EFCC was
part of a plot by some politicians to abort plans to
make him a minister.
Some forces and groups were said to have made a
case for Kwankwaso as the next Minister of the
Federal Capital Tertitory.
Others who may have difficulty in serving in
Buhari’s government in any capacity are ex-
governors Timpreye Sylva, Murtala Nyako, Prince
Abubakar Audu, Danjuma Goje.
Although these former governors played a vital role
in delivering their states to APC, they are all under
trial in one form or the other with the cases
dragging for about four to five years.
A reliable source said: “I think that those who have
cases or undergoing investigation with EFCC or
ICPC might not make the ministerial list until the
allegations against them are sorted out.
“Although the law presumes these former
governors innocent until proven guilty by the court,
there may be a challenge in making them
nominees because of public opinion.
“The list is being carefully screened in such a way
that there will be no issues with their clearance in
the Senate.”
Meanwhile, contrary to the alleged recommendation
of the Ahmed Joda Transition Committee, the
President may not be able to appoint 19 ministers.