Good directive from the President, but why from 2007 and not from 1999?
President Goodluck Jonathan, on Thursday, swore in the last batch of nine new ministers, with a declaration that his administration would probe the activities of all federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) from 2007.
He has also directed the nation's anti-corruption bodies to focus greater attention on all tiers of government as he vowed to defeat what he called the monster of corruption following the embarrassing rating of Nigeria in the global corruption index.
The new ministers who took their oath of office in the Aso Chambers of the Presidential Villa included Dr Mohammed Ali-Pate (Borno), Chief Edem Duke (Cross Rivers); Mrs Omobola Johnson (Ondo); Mrs Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafia (Kaduna) and Dr Nurudeen Mohammad (Jigawa).
Others were Mrs Sarah Ochepe (Plateau); Ms Ama Pepple (Rivers); Ezebunwo Nyedem Wike (Rivers) and Dr Akinwunmi Adeshina Ayodeji (Ogun).
Jonathan explained that he took his time and followed due process to put the cabinet together as stipulated by the Constitution, adding, "some of the ministers are returning to their old portfolios to ensure not just continuity, but also the consolidation of projects and processes embarked upon in the last year."
He expressed concern that in the course of his efforts to select the cabinet, he received disturbing reports of threats of assassination to nominees, their families and friends, and so much campaign of calumny to discourage them from coming into government to serve.
"This is most unfortunate. Service to the nation is a patriotic duty that every citizen must look up to, and support. There is no greater responsibility than service to the nation," he said.
Tribune
Oga Joe is waking up. Good! I hope this is not just a lip service.
Only time will tell, if the President is just paying lip service.