Politicizing Muhammadu Bello’s nomination
The nomination of a seasoned administrator, Muhammadu Bello by President Muhammed Buhari as a minister of federal republic of Nigeria has bolstered the confidence of technocrats and those who are not members of political parties in the Nigeria project. President Muhamadu Buhari’s traits of working with only competent and trustworthy individuals whenever he holds any position of leadership in the country has again manifested itself.
However, I have noticed a negative development since Mr. President sent the first list of ministerial nominee to the senate. Sentiments and sheer pull - him - down syndrome dominated the discourse especially from those who opposed the nomination of one candidate or the other. Most importantly is the fact that these opposition comes mainly from our northern axis. It’s either Amina is not from here or Zainab is not from there. Interestingly, some of these reasons are not based on competence or ability of the nominee to deliver.
Moreover, those oppositions are not based on incompetence or corruption, rather a political expediency factors like the accusation that Muhammadu Bello is not a member of any political party. The Nigeria project is not exclusively for those who are members of political parties.
Even at that, there was a precedent. The late iron lady of NAFDAC, Prof. Dora Akunyili who was eventually appointed as Minister of Information was not a member of political party prior to that appointment. The pioneer chairman of EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu became EFCC chairman solely on his track record of a ‘no nonsense’ cop. Mrs. Okonjo Iweala was never a card carrying member of a party when she was first appointed as minister of finance under Obasanjo. The lists go on and on.
Infact, I personally advise Muhammadu Bello to remain apolitical if he is eventually confirmed by the senate. Being a member of political party can sometimes lead to blind followership - where you will be made to toe an imposed line of action or inaction not minding whether it is the right thing to do.
Justifiably, the President had earlier appointed Babachir David Lawal, a politician, a Christian minority from Adamawa state as Secretary to the Government of the Federation. By nominating Muhammadu Bello, a technocrat, and an incorruptible administrator from the same state, Mr. President only balanced a healthy equation from that state.
I commend Governor Bindo Umar Jibrilla of Adamawa State for throwing his support behind Bello’s nomination. Likewise, the President has further earned my respect as a true leader. Those who know Muhammadu Bello are of the opinion that no one, I repeat, no one can stamp any corrupt profile on his antecedents despite the fact that he was the Chairman of National Hajj commission for eight uninterrupted years.
Ibrahim Muhammed, muhasecond2@gmail.com <mailto:muhasecond2@gmail. com>, 08037024356