2 Weeks after Senate's Approval, 2 Ministers Still Hanging in the Fringes without Portfolios



Exactly two weeks after the Senate had screened and confirmed  two ministerial nominees forwarded to it by President Muhammadu Buhari, they are yet to be sworn-in.

President Buhari, had in March, forwarded the names of Stephen Ocheni (Kogi State) and Suleiman Zanna Hassan (Gombe State), to the Senate for confirmation as ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

While Ocheni replaces James Ocholi, former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, who died in an auto-crash in 2016, Hassan takes over from Amina Mohammed who resigned as Minister of Environment to assume office as Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN).

This is the second Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting that Yemi Osinbajo would preside over as Acting President currently going on inside the Council Chambers of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Ministers are usually sworn in and assigned portfolios a week after their confirmation by the upper legislative chamber.

President Buhari left for London Sunday May 7th for follow-up medical consultation with his doctors.

How long he will be away, will be determined by the doctors, Adesina‎ had said in a statement.

Buhari had received the 82 Chibok girls, who were released on Saturday May 6th before departing for his medical follow ups.

The President had transmitted letters about the trip to the Senate and the House of Representatives, in compliance with Section 145 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.

According to Adesina, “‎The President wishes to assure all Nigerians that there is no cause for worry. He is very grateful for the prayers and good wishes of the people, and hopes they would continue to pray for the peace and unity of the nation.

“The length of the President’s stay in London will be determined by the doctors. Government will continue to function normally under the able leadership of the Vice President.

“President Buhari has transmitted letters about the trip to the Senate and the House of Representatives, in compliance with Section 145 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.”

The swearing-in of the ministers was however part of Wednesday’s schedule of the Acting President.

2 Weeks after Senate's Approval, 2 Ministers Still Hanging in the Fringes without Portfolios - Metro Watch
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