Buhari's Effect? Osinbajo Fails to Inaugurate New Ministers for the Second Time at FEC Meeting
File photo: Osinbajo, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, and NSA, Babagana Mongonu during FEC meeting
The inauguration of two new ministers, Stephen Ocheni (Kogi) and Suleiman Hassan (Gombe) is not taking place today again as the acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has failed to swear them in. Recall that we reported last week Wednesday that in the absence of President Muhamamdu Buhari, the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, did not swear in two new ministers, Stephen Ocheni (Kogi) and Suleiman Hassan (Gombe), few days after President Buhari headed for the United Kingdom for a follow-up consultation with his doctors.
The acting President Yemi Osinbajo who is currently presiding over the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) this Wednesday morning, for the second time, did not reportedly inaugurate the two new ministers, at the meeting inside the Council Chambers of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The Senate had two weeks ago, screened and confirmed Ocheni and Hassan as ministers, but they are yet to be sworn in. Ministers are usually sworn in and assigned portfolios a week after their confirmation by the upper legislative chamber.
Ocheni is to replace the late former Minister of State for Labour, James Ocholi, who died over a year ago; while Hassan is to replace Mrs Amina Mohammed, who resigned as Minister of Environment to become the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General.
As at the time of filing this report, the Presidency has maintained sealed lips on why the two new ministers are yet to be inaugurated by the acting president.