The long-awaited ministerial list is finally on its way to the Senate, as announced by the Senate Leader, Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele. During his 60th birthday anniversary lecture and book presentation in Abuja, he revealed that President Bola Tinubu personally informed him of this development in a heartwarming phone call, while also extending his best wishes on the special occasion.
According to Bamidele, President Tinubu expressed his regret for being unable to attend the birthday lecture due to pressing matters that required his immediate attention. Specifically, the President is focused on submitting a crucial communication to the Senate within the next 48 hours, which is expected to contain the eagerly anticipated ministerial list. This list will outline the names of individuals nominated for various ministerial positions within the government.
During the lecture, the esteemed former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Toyin Ogundipe, brought attention to an important issue that resonated with the audience. He emphasized the need for political office holders to display empathy towards the Nigerian people, particularly during these challenging times. One way he proposed to achieve this is by reducing the number of vehicles in their convoys.
Prof. Ogundipe urged that agencies such as the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) should not be part of the entourage of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, as long as adequate police presence is maintained. He stressed that cutting down on the number of vehicles in the convoys would send a powerful message to the citizens, demonstrating that their leaders understand and share their struggles.
As we await the arrival of the ministerial list in the Senate, the call for empathy and accountability from political office holders is something worth pondering. The nation eagerly anticipates the unveiling of the nominees for ministerial positions, hoping for a competent and dedicated team to lead the government forward. Let us also reflect on the words of Prof. Ogundipe, as they remind us of the importance of leadership that truly connects with the people they serve.
