President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday forwarded the names of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (Kebbi) and the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Chinedu Nebo (Enugu) to the Senate as ministerial nominees.
The duo of Turaki and Nebo would fill the vacant slots of Kebbi and Enugu states that have become vacant with the removal/resignation of former defence minister, Dr Haliru Mohammed, and former power minister, Professor Barth Nnaji.
In a letter read on the Senate floor yesterday after plenary resumed, the president based his action on Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. He however appealed for prompt attention to the their nomination and confirmation process.
The two ministerial slots have been vacant for between five to eight months, which has prompted calls for the slots to be filled.
Also, President Jonathan has forwarded the name of Alhaji Suleiman Barau to the Senate for confirmation of reappointment as deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
He said his decision to reappoint him is in line with Sections 8 (1) and (2) of the CBN Act, 2007.
Meanwhile, the minister of state for defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, who reportedly slumped at the National Arcade, Abuja during the laying of wreath in honour of the nation’s fallen heroes was noticed absent at her office yesterday.
The minister was prevented from falling down by the military top brass she was standing with during the ceremony. However, her hat fell as she quickly readjusted and continued with the programme.
Even though no official reason has been given for the incident, observers are of the view that it could be due to the fact that she had been standing with the service chiefs for two hours before the arrival of President Goodluck Jonathan.
The incident was the topic on everyone’s lips at the Ministry of Defence.
A middle-aged member of staff said that the minister was not in the office due to the embarrassment caused by the incident or the fatigue she suffered on the occasion.
“The minister did not come to office today (yesterday) and no reason was given, but some people are saying that this might be because of the embarrassment of the incident, especially as photographs of the incident were published by one newspaper, or maybe she was very tired as a result of the whole programme. I must commend her because since the programme started in November, those involved had not found to rest. And you know she is a woman. If I recall correctly, this is the first time a woman is playing that role,” he said.
Another staff of the ministry said, “I heard she was asked to take the day off to see her doctor.”
However, a member of staff said she was having a meeting with the president at the State House, and had asked all her visitors to come the next day.