TEMITOPE AJAYI
It is my considered view that allocation of portfolios to the confirmed Ministers by President Tinubu was a class act in statecraft. It simply reveals a President who understands the dynamics of governance in an intensely heterogeneous society like Nigeria.
The portfolios also reflect geopolitical balance and equity in the distribution of key ministries with almost a perfect match with the educational and professional competence of the Ministers.
Choice of portfolios for most of the Ministers can hardly be faulted. Wale Edun (Finance), Doris (Industry, Trade & Investment), Bosun Tijani (Communications), Atiku Bagudu (Budget and Planning), Dr. Pate (Health and Social Services), David Umahi (Works) etc are fit-for-purpose.
However, questions have been asked about others like Festus Keyamo (Aviation), Dele Alake (Solid Minerals) Beta Edu (Humanitarian Affairs), Oyetola (Transportation), Bunmi Ojo ( Marine & Blue Economy), Abubakar Badaru (Defence) who got Ministries not related to their professional callings.
It needs to be said that at Ministerial level, what is required to be successful are leadership and managerial skills to work the intricacies of policy and politics, not so much of technocracy that is often touted. All the technical capabilities already exist within the ministries among the civil servants and in relevant agencies. Ministers can also get the service of technical experts in specific areas.
Most successful Ministers of Finance in many countries were not economists or finance experts. Gordon Brown former UK Prime Minister who was first Finance Minister had a degree and postgraduate qualifications in History. Chief Obafemi Awolowo, arguably Nigeria’s best Finance Minister in history was a lawyer. Pravin Gordhan, perhaps, the best South Africa Minister of Finance had a degree in Pharmacy. Ben Carson, a neurosurgeon was a great Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Trump. There are many of such examples around the world.
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