As the jostle for the remaining ministerial slots grows which is currently witnessing last minute horse-trading and lobbying in the affected states like, Ondo, Kogi, Abia, Enugu, Imo, Bayelsa, Borno, Cross River, Nasarawa, Yobe, Zamfara, Osun, Kaduna, etc.
A group, Osun Progressives Vanguard (OPV) have charged President Mohammed Buhari not to batter the confidence that Nigerians reposed in him by appointing politicians with questionable character and corruptible minds that could stall the change which Nigerians clamoured for.
The group through its spokesperson, Olapade Oloro urged the President to appoint Hon. Rotimi Makinde whose integrity is not soiled under any guise.
According to Mr Olapade, Makinde has the capacity to further strengthen the transformation agenda of Mr President and to reposition his party in Ife and its environs, noting that he also has the wherewithal to keep alive ambassadorial representation for the Nigerian oil and gas and movie industries at the national level. “Appointing an individual like Hon Rotimi Makinde who is from Ife town will be a plus for this administration, here is an Accountant that has worked in NNPC for 20 years with indelible records, a man who has also used his acting skills to project the image of Nigeria positively. We see him as an astute, loyal and committed member of APC who is tested and trusted.”
Highlighting the achievements of Makinde in the 7th National Assembly (2011-2015), the group said, “This former federal parliamentarian who doubled as the first Nollywood artist to be so privileged to be elected to the green chamber performed credibly well to bit imagination with 8 Bills and several Motions, he essentially demonstrated excellence, he truly raised the bar for others in that institution to foster quality representation. Of note to us was the Bill for an Act to Amend the Oil Pipelines Act Cap 7 laws of the Federation 2004 to Provide for the Transfer of Protection of Oil Pipelines, Safety and Security Across the Federation to the States and Other Matters Connected. We acknowledged that this young and vibrant Ife born democrat clearly shows that he is a genuine product of his party’s change mantra, whom if given an opportunity to serve would perform meritoriously.’’
The group also admonished Mr President to maintain his dignity and to distance himself from politicians who are under probe by various anti-graft agencies. OPV further demanded that the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government should fulfill its promises made during the electioneering campaigns, towards eradicating corruption from all sectors of the nation’s economy beginning with the appointment of clean cabinet members.
‘Buhari’s victory at the poll was the best thing that could happen to a nation under political and economic strains like Nigeria. The overall results of the elections and the general conducts of the electorate were evident that Nigerians really wanted change in the country. President Buhari should be father to all, irrespective of religious, ethnic and regional differences and express love and care to all Nigerians. All political parties, corporate and professional bodies must work with the President to fast track the change needed in the Nigerian economy, social and political space.’’ Olapade noted.