By Danlami Nmodu
Despite public outcry against his alleged role in the rigging of Ekiti gubernatorial election,President Goodluck Jonathan has still included the name of Senator Mohammed Musiliu Obanikoro in his letter to the senate asking the it confirm 8 nominees as ministers.
Jonathan in the letter addressed to Senator David Mark,the senate president said “In accordance with section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,I hereby forward the following names,with their CVs for consideration by the Distinguished Members of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Ministers”
Aside from Obanikoro,(from Lagos State) 7 others were listed as ministerial nominees.They include Senator Patricia Akwashiki(Nasarawa),Prof Nicholas Akise Ada (Benue) ,Col Augustine Okwudiri Akobundu(rtd)(Abia),Eng Fidel Nwankwo(Ebonyi), Mrs Hauwa Lawan(Jigawa),Mr Kenneth Kobani(Rivers) and Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya(Taraba).
“While trusting that the exercise will receive the traditional prompt attention of the Senate,Please accept,Distinguished Senate President,the assurances of my highest consideration”,Jonathan said in the letter.
But some senators have reportedly questioned the rationale behind the nomination of Obanikoro.A tape leaked by Captain Koli listed Obanikoro,General Momoh among those who conspired to rig the last gubernatorial election in Ekiti State for PDP’s Ayo Fayose.
At a meeting of the All Progressives Congress,APC in Abujaon Tuesday , the party urged the federal government to take disciplinary action against those named in the audio tape.
But given the submission of Obanikoro’s name for confirmation as minister ,it appears Jonathan is determined to compensate ,rather than scold him.
