Jonathan Drops Ex-Govs From Ministerial List!

Apparently determined to ensure that his government is composed of Nigerians who are ready to serve their fatherland, President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday sent a fresh list of 20 ministerial nominees to the security agencies for screening.

The list is said to contain mainly professionals, many of whom are said to have made their marks both locally and internationally.

Sources confirmed that Jonathan has disappointed many of the former governors who either lost their re-election bid in the April general election or completed their terms of office.

It was gathered that Jonathan had insisted that none of the former governors would have their names on the ministerial list.

It was confirmed on Friday that the president had earlier sent a list of 11 ministerial nominees to the security agencies for clearance.

A source in the administration told the Saturday Tribune that the total number of ministerial nominees already sent to the security agencies now stands at 31.

A source said that the president had also insisted that he was going to pick those people who would not be distracted by politics as head of strategic ministries.

While the source will not give the names of the new ministerial nominees, it was gathered that the list comprises mainly technocrats.

For instance, one of the nominees, who is expected to lead the Ministry of Agriculture, is said to be a well- read individual, who is recognised in his field in Africa and within the international community.

It was also learnt that some powerful Nigerians have continued to raise issues against the nomination of some of the immediate past ministers.

It was said that the name of the former Minister of Finance, Olusegun Aganga, which was on the ministerial list has been replaced.

Two other names of former ministers, who are being mentioned in the media, are said to be missing on Friday.