Appointment
Mahdi Shehu tackles Tinubu over ‘most insulting portfolio’ for two fmr govs
Political analyst, Mahdi Shehu, has called out President Tinubu over his recent appointment of the immediate past governor of Jigawa State Mohammed Badaru and former Zamfara State counterpart Bello Matawalle as defense ministers.
Shehu had appeared on Arise TV to describe as an “insult” the appointments of Badaru and Matawalle as Ministers and Minister of state for defence respectively.
Shehu expressed dismay at what he described as the “most insulting portfolio.”
President Bola Tinubu had assigned the roles of the 45 confirmed ministerial nominees, but the analyt had directed his focus on the appointments of Badaru and Matawalle.
“These individuals, originating from diverse backgrounds, were designated to lead the Defense Ministry, specifically as Minister of Defense and Minister of State for Defense.
Shehu’s statement highlighted the inappropriateness of their appointments.
He explained that Badaru, an accountant, and Matawale, an administrator from Zamfara state, lacked the requisite military or security experience for the pivotal positions.
“This incongruity becomes more pronounced given the ongoing security challenges they are expected to manage.
Shehu expressed his fear that their lack of relevant expertise could hinder effective decision-making and action during critical periods. He noted their dependency on military assistance, which may not align with their preferences, potentially undermining their authority and decision-making capacity.
“Of all the portfolios, the most intriguing are the roles assigned to my colleagues, Badaru and Matawale, both former governors. They were given the roles of Defense Minister, Senior and Junior. Ironically, this is the most denigrating role. Neither are generals, nor security agents, nor former police personnel. Badaru is an accountant, while Matawale is an administrator from Zamfara state.”
“When they enter the defense ministry, their first experience will likely be receiving military assistance (MAs), not of their choice. These are individuals who lack the authority to deploy a single soldier or army unit without presidential approval. Despite their regions facing turmoil and danger, they are designated as defense ministers.”
The Senate has endorsed the nomination of Omolola Oloworaran as the substantive Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).
President Bola Tinubu had nominated Oloworaran for the position and sought Senate approval through a formal request.
Her confirmation followed the adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, presented during Thursday’s plenary session.
The committee’s chairman, Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North), stated that Oloworaran met all legal and professional requirements as outlined in the Pension Reform Act 2014. He emphasized that she fulfilled the criteria stipulated under sections 19(2), (5), (6), and 26 of the Act, qualifying her for the role.
“The nominee has demonstrated competence and meets the legal prerequisites for this position. The committee finds her to be a fit and proper person for appointment as Director-General of PENCOM,” Senator Fasuyi said.
During the session, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin put the committee’s recommendation to a voice vote, which received overwhelming support from the senators.
Oloworaran’s confirmation ensures continued leadership at PENCOM, an agency critical to Nigeria’s pension administration and reform initiatives.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced the appointment of Hon. Gani Audu as Chief of Staff, with the appointment taking immediate effect.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Fred Itua, made the disclosure through a press Statement on Thursday.
According to the statement the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Umar Ikhilor, who made the announcement described Audu’s new role as integral to advancing Governor Okpebholo’s reform agenda for the state.
The statement reads: “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public, particularly the good people of Edo State, that His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, has approved the appointment of Hon. Gani Audu as his Chief of Staff. The appointment takes immediate effect.”
Hon. Audu, born on August 18, 1969, brings a rich background in governance and administration to his new role. A graduate of Auchi Polytechnic with an HND (1994), he went on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from Benson Idahosa University (2011) and an M.Sc. in Intelligence and Global Security from Baze University, Abuja (2024).
Audu’s political experience spans nearly two decades. He served as Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Council from 2004 to 2010, represented Etsako West Constituency 1 in the Edo State House of Assembly from 2015 to 2023, and was the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate in the 2020 Edo State elections.
This strategic appointment is expected to bolster the governor’s administrative team and support his vision of transformative governance in Edo State.
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States of America.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), on Wednesday, President Tinubu expressed his enthusiasm about strengthening Nigeria-U.S. relations amidst the complex global challenges and opportunities.
Trump, who claimed victory on Wednesday, pledged to “heal” the country as he was on the brink of defeating Kamala Harris in a remarkable White House comeback.
President Tinubu praised Trump’s victory, emphasizing that it reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership. He also commended the American people’s commitment to democracy.
Looking ahead, President Tinubu expressed confidence that Trump’s experience as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021 would foster beneficial and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between the U.S. and Africa. He expressed hope that this new era under President Trump would promote peace, economic cooperation, and address global challenges.
Acknowledging the significant influence of the United States in shaping global events, President Tinubu believes that Trump’s leadership will bring the world closer to peace and prosperity.
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