Renowned law scholar and leader of the Concerned Igbo Leaders of Thought, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, has criticised President Muhammadu Buhari for delaying the appointment of ministers into his cabinet.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria described Buhari’s refusal to appoint ministers over 80 days after taking office as a reflection of Buhari’s military personality.

He said this was why former President Olusegun Obasanjo (also a former soldier) failed to appoint ministers on time as well.

He stated that the country’s constitution does not allow the President to govern the country for more than two months without ministers.

Nwabueze, in an article titled, “Constitutionality of President Buhari Ruling Nigeria For More Than Two And Half Months Without a Council Of Ministers: The Concerns of the Igbo Leaders Of Thought,” a copy of which was sent to The PUNCH on Wednesday, said the President was expected to consult with “various executive bodies” before presidential actions.

According to the professor of law, it is not likely that anyone other than a retired army general and former head of a military government would ever think of ruling the country for more than two and half months without ministers, knowing full well that the governmental system established for the country by the constitution does not permit him to do that.

“And yet, knowing his antecedents and the influence they must have on him, Nigerians elected him as ‘civilian’ President in the March 2015 election. His election cannot but portray Nigerians as incapable of learning from past experience, a people lacking the degree of political maturity and sagacity required for the successful working of constitutional democracy,” Nwabueze added.

The article read in part, “Since his inauguration on May 29, 2015, as elected ‘civilian’ President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, a retired army general and former head of the military government, has been ruling the country for more than two and half months without ministers.

“The President ruling for more than two and half months without ministers is really incredible, but, incredible as it is, we Nigerians, as a people, ought to have foreseen it from our experience of the dictatorial way former President Obasanjo who, like President Buhari, is a retired army general and former head of the military government, rode roughshod over the constitutional limitations on his powers.”

Genius100:
Nwabueze needs to shut up or provide the section of the constitution that says the president cannot go without ministers for 2 months..

courage54:
I wonder why a particular section of the country are so concerned about the appointment of ministers by the president. Ministers or no ministers, the most important thing is that BABA is working.

Genius100:
Nwabueze needs to shut up or provide the section of the constitution that says the president cannot go without ministers for 2 months..

ZKOSOSO:

Animal like this one is the reason while kanu call nigeria a ZOO. A parasitic animal.

Genius100:
Nwabueze needs to shut up or provide the section of the constitution that says the president cannot go without ministers for 2 months..

blaqoracle:
Even with a step to "Thy kingdom come" this roadSide professor still can't hide his envy. For him to know how difficult a political victory, the professor should contesting a local government chairman.

natas22:
Its simple Nigeria just made 2.5 trn naira within 3 months, are we not doing better without the ministers. The last minister of petroleum on her watch $20 billion got lost.


Sai buhari

courage54:
I wonder why a particular section of the country are so concerned about the appointment of ministers by the president. Ministers or no ministers, the most important thing is that BABA is working.

blaqoracle:
Even with a step to "Thy kingdom come" this roadSide professor still can't hide his envy. For him to know how difficult a political victory, the professor should contesting a local government chairman.

mranova:
Another broke old man seeking attention. Baba won't appoint you sha.

appini:


Working at where? Can you pinpoint any of his campaign promises that he has fulfilled since his emergence as the president?

prof17:
The truth is that buhari's delay tactics is to empower the permenant secretaries in their respective ministries whereas majority of them are northners! But in nairaland whenever you say the truth, the foolish APC slaves here will call you names but I don't care cos am not partisan politician

Decibel:
You are called him a broke man?

Jorussia:
I dare you to provide the list of the perm secs,and the states they come from.