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Wike, El-Rufai, Umahi, Seven Women Make Tinubu’s Ministerial List
The immediate past governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, and three other former governors made the list of ministerial nominees submitted by President Bola Tinubu for Senate confirmation, yesterday.
The three other former governors are Nasir El-Rufai, Muhammed Abubakar Badar and David Umahi of Kaduna, Jigawa and Ebonyi States, respectively,
The list also has eight lawmakers, including serving ones, former ministers, ambassadors and technocrats.
The President beat the July 29 deadline for submission of the ministerial list as stipulated by the constitution as amended by the ninth Assembly.
Tinubu, according to the 1999 Constitution, as amended by the Ninth Senate, has barely two days left out of the 60 days deadline stipulated for the President to unveil his cabinet members.
Section 42 of the constitution states that “(a) the nomination of any person to the office of a Minister for confirmation by the Senate shall be done within sixty days after the date the President has taken the oath of office;
“(b) not less than ten per cent of persons appointed as Ministers shall be women:
“Provided that the President may appoint a Minister at any other time during his tenure and such appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.”
The piece of legislation further prescribes that the President shall appoint at least a minister from each of the 36 states of the federation.
The Tide reports that contrary to the 37 names being circulated in the social media and ones published by some media organisations (not The Tide), yesterday, only 28 names made the first list of the ministerial nominees.
The authentic list read at the Senate plenary yesterday by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, also include a renown economist, Olawale Edun; a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Waheed Adebayo Adelabu; a legal luminary, Latef Fagbemi, SAN; Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi, Senator John Eno.
Other prominent names who made the list include the President’s Special Adviser on Media, Strategy and Special Duties, Dele Alake; former Minister of Health under Goodluck Jonathan who recently rejected an international job, Prof. Ali Pate and Professor Joseph Utsev.
Also on the list is the women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Betta Edu and five other women which include Hon. Nkiru Onyeojiocha, Hon. Uju Kennedy Ohaneye, Stella Okotette, Dorris Aniche Uzoka and Mrs Iman Suleiman Ibrahim.
Other nominees include the National Deputy Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abubakar Kyari; Rt. Hon. Ekperipe Ekpo, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, Chief Uche Nnaji and Abubakar Momoh.
The rest are Ambassador Yusuf Miatama Tukur, Arch. Ahmed Dangiwa, Barr. Hannatu Musawa, Mr. Bello Muhammad G. and Mr. Muhammad Idris.
The letter which contained the ministerial list was personally handed over to the Senate President by the Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, during the Senate plenary at exactly 1.20pm.
Gbajabiamila’s entry into the Senate plenary session followed a point of order and motion by the Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti APC), that the former Speaker of the House of Representatives be allowed to join the plenary to deliver an important message from President Tinubu. The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Mwadkwon Davou (Plateau North, PDP)
The list did not, however, contain the portfolios of the nominees.
The Tide reports that it was the first time the COS to a President would personally deliver a ministerial list to the Chambers and during plenary session.
President Tinubu’s letter read in part, “In compliance to the provision of Section 147 sub-section 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I am pleased to forward to Senate for confirmation the underlisted 28 ministerial nominees.
“While hoping that the additional nominations will be sent in due course, I hope that the aforementioned nominees will receive the expeditious consideration and confirmation of the Senate.
“Please accept Distinguished Senate President and Senators the assurance of my highest regard.”
Akpabio, after reading out the letter from the President to the Senators, referred the list to the Committee of the Whole House for appropriate legislative action.
There have been agitations over the ministerial list particularly due to Tinubu’s long silence over the list.
A number of Nigerians have expressed concern and worry over the delayed formation of the President’s cabinet particularly because Tinubu had, after his election, promised Nigerians that he would hit the ground running.
He had also promised credible governance with competent people occupying various positions across the sphere of execution.
In a statement on March 16, Tinubu said he would set up a “government of national competence.
“There has been talk of a government of national unity. My aim is higher than that. I seek a government of national competence. In selecting my government, I shall not be weighed down by considerations extraneous to ability and performance.”
The delay in announcing the cabinet ministers had also led to the emergence of several lists of ministers, which the government itself disowned.
Briefing the Press after plenary, the Senate’s Spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South), disclosed that the Senate would convene screening on Monday in an extraordinary session.
Senator Adaramola said that the Senate was poised to have a thorough screening session to ensure that only nominees fit for the offices are confirmed.
Responding to questions on what will become of nominees with pending allegations of corruption, he stressed that only those qualified in character, experience, expertise and capacity will scale through the Senate screening and be confirmed.
The Senate spokesperson explained that the Senate shifted its annual break which usually commence in July to ensure they give Nigerians the new ministers, adding that the Senate was ready to sit for as many days as it takes to thoroughly screen the nominees .
He added that the usual “bow and go” will only be obtainable where all Senators accept a nominee as fit and competent.
By: Boye Salau & Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol