The popular adage that says 'show me your friend and I will tell you who you are' is probably what will be echoing in President Muhammadu Buhari's mind as he sets out to name his cabinet Ministers this month barring any late change of plans.
Since the beginning of this republic in 1999, Successive governments from that of Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2007), Umar Yar Adua (2007-2010) and Goodluck Jonathan (2010-2015) have either succeeded or failed on account of kind of Ministers they worked with.
It is on record that during the Obasanjo era, individuals like Nasir el Rufai (FCT 2003-2007), Ngozi Okonjo Iweala (Finance 2003-2006), and Isa Yuguda (Aviation 2003-2005) contributed immensely in driving governmental policies and programs, while the likes of Dora Akunyili (Information 2008-2010), and Shamsudeen Usman (Finance 2007-2009) did considerable well in their assignments during the Yar Adua Administration.
The immediate past administration of Jonathan also had ministers like Mike Onolememen (Works 2011-2015) and Akinwumi Adesina (Agric 2010-2015) lived up to the billing in teir assignments. Others like Ngozi Okonjo Iweala (Fnance 2011-2015), Deziani Madueke (Petroleum 2011-2015), Abbah Moro (Interior 2011-2015) left with allegations of corruption hanging on them.
President Muhammadu Buhari therefore faces an uphill task naming those to steer the ship of affairs in their Ministries. He must appoint only persons of proven character, integrity and dedication to service.
He must also strike a balance between competence and the Federal Character Principle so as to consolidate on the peace and unity of Nigeria.
*Michael Onjewu is an economist and public affairs analyst based in Abuja.
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