I Want To Appoint People I Know Personally, Buhari Explains Delayed Ministerial List

Barely three days after Senate President, Ahmed Lawan disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari would submit his ministerial list to the National Assembly this week, the president has said the delay in releasing the list was because he wants to appoint people he knows personally.

Buhari who stated this on Thursday night while addressing the leadership of the National Assembly during a dinner said he is under pressure to unveil his ministerial nominees.

He said, “Many at this dinner meeting are saying they want to see the list of the proposed cabinet so that they can go on leave peacefully.

“I’m very much aware about it; I’m under tremendous pressure on it. But the last cabinet which I headed, most of them, the majority of them I didn’t know them. I had to accept the names and recommendations from the party and other individuals.

“I worked with them for three and half years at least – meeting twice or two weeks in a month. So, I know them.

“But, this time round, I’m going to be quiet me – me in the sense that I will pick people I personally know.”

Recall that Buhari in 2015 did not appoint ministers four months after his inauguration.

Recall also that the president who was sworn in for a second term on May 29 is yet to appoint his ministers more than a month after his swearing-in.