Leadership (Abuja)

Nigeria: Major Government Shake-Up Imminent

Any moment from now, President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua will embark on a major shake-up of the federal government which is aimed at changing the character of the government itself. The major cabinet reshuffle will affect some of the perceived favourites of the government. At least, seven key ministers including some "kitchen cabinet" members will likely be dropped.

The controversial attorney-general and minister of justice, Mr. Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, is on his way out. Sources close to the presidency told LEADERSHIP SUNDAY that the president, working on intelligence reports, has come to view him as a major liability to his government. In fact, the source said, "Aondoakaa has become a major source of embarrassment".

He is likely to be replaced by Prince Tokunbo Kayode, the current minister of labour who is seen to be suave and better-cultured. Kayode was a successful lawyer before he became a minister in 2007. A well-known Senior Advocate of Nigeria, he is well-respected in the legal profession.

Likely to be dropped also is the secretary to the government of the federation, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed. Yayale was head of service under the presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo and was also Yar'Adua's first minister of defence. He took over from Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe as SGF. Like Kingibe, he is said to have fallen out of favour with the president.

He is likely to be replaced with Ambassador Babakura Kaigama, a retired permanent secretary. Kaigama, who hails from Borno State, was a permanent secretary in the presidential villa and, before then, he had been permanent secretary in the foreign affairs and defence ministries.

Also likely to be relieved of his appointment is Dr. Shettima Mustapha, the minister of interior, but Mr. Demola Seriki, the minister of state for interior, will likely be elevated to the office of a senior minister.

Also likely to leave in the impending cabinet reshuffle is Mr David Edevbie, the president's principal private secretary who is currently being investigated in a London court and also by the EFCC in Nigeria in connection with his tenure as a commissioner of finance in Delta State.

Yar'Adua is under intense pressure to change the character of his government if he is to have a fighting chance for a second term. Currently, his approval rating is one of the lowest for any Nigerian leader.

He is also reportedly losing control of the PDP, as the opposition within his own PDP against his leadership gets stronger. Several meetings are being held at the moment with a view of re-jigging the party. There are several people in the party who feel left out and are beginning to openly complain that the reins of government have been taken over by people who didn't know how the government came into being in the first place.

Tagged: Nigeria, West Africa

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Comments 1 to 5 of 9 Post a comment

  • gishol
    Sep 14 2009, 11:49

    Umaru Yar'Adua is a leadership misfit. By his reversals, he has DEVALUED ALL THE REMAINING VALUABLES IN THE ECONOMY. Can the country ever rise after his departure?

  • Prctocol84@hotmail.com
    Sep 14 2009, 16:48

    If the Government of Nigeria really need to change the face of Nigeria,it should flush out the old faces that have over stayed their welcome in Government such as Mr.oil minister Rilwan,Mr.Attorney General whom one thinks should go back to law school to learn something about the rule of law and constitutional law which he basically lacks.Hopefully, Mr. Attorney General may be on his way out,one wonders what is left of him.This guy is not even qualified to be hired as a lawyer by any firm considering how he abused the civil rights of the Nigerian people not to talk of his half baked investigations on some corrupt politicians such as Ibori whom he compromised the investigation for personal gains plus other political investigations that he was bribed off.One would suggest here however,that if the Government really wants to shake itself up let it send all the current senior citizens who have been in Government before the President was even born, packing and lets inject new blood of Government in the society at least with those who can speak the language of computer as the world is fast changing.Yet,if any of these cabinet corrupt members of this administration is in any way under investigation,he/her immunity ought to be scrapt away from this individual[s]so that prosecution will be swift thereby making our demoracy somehow worthwhile.However,making these changes now may not be a panacea to our troubles, at least it is a start but should it be a reason for a second term for this administration? Nigerian people are not stupid.Nigerians can no longer go for stone aged system where Government officials are not ashmed to ask for bribe both publically and private before one can establish a business.What a shame, Nigerians are still asking themselves when shall we be able to have full power supply as in some part of Africa considering the oil income. What about good Roads, schools, Employment,Good pay for teachers, Healthcare to mention but a few.One does not think that Nigerians will be willing and able to give the Administration another chance for another 4 years for another lazy, sick, corrupt and backward Government.One term is too long.Nigeria, remember fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.We ought to keep our Government honest it is our responsibility and to do so, we as a people should not shy away from holding our Government accountable through free and fair elections.Lets reclaim our Country, that has too long been on the wrong hands full of corruption,lack of rule of law no respect for human rights and Nigeria must remain a secular Nation. should remain a secular

  • Prctocol84@hotmail.com
    Sep 14 2009, 17:06

    If the Government of Nigeria really need to change the face of Nigeria,it should flush out the old faces that have over stayed their welcome in Government such as Mr.oil minister Rilwan,Mr.Attorney General whom one thinks should go back to law school to learn something about the rule of law and constitutional law which he basically lacks.Hopefully, Mr. Attorney General may be on his way out,one wonders what is left of him.This guy is not even qualified to be hired as a lawyer by any firm considering how he abused the civil rights of the Nigerian people not to talk of his half baked investigations on some corrupt politicians such as Ibori whom he compromised the investigation for personal gains plus other political investigations that he was bribed off.One would suggest here however,that if the Government really wants to shake itself up let it send all the current senior citizens who have been in Government before the President was even born, packing and lets inject new blood of Government in the society at least with those who can speak the language of computer as the world is fast changing.Yet,if any of these cabinet corrupt members of this administration is in any way under investigation,he/her immunity ought to be scrapt away from this individual[s]so that prosecution will be swift thereby making our demoracy somehow worthwhile.However,making these changes now may not be a panacea to our troubles, at least it is a start but should it be a reason for a second term for this administration? Nigerian people are not stupid.Nigerians can no longer go for stone aged system where Government officials are not ashmed to ask for bribe both publically and private before one can establish a business.What a shame, Nigerians are still asking themselves when shall we be able to have full power supply as in some part of Africa considering the oil income. What about good Roads, schools, Employment,Good pay for teachers, Healthcare to mention but a few.One does not think that Nigerians will be willing and able to give the Administration another chance for another 4 years for another lazy, sick, corrupt and backward Government.One term is too long.Nigeria, remember fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.We ought to keep our Government honest it is our responsibility and to do so, we as a people should not shy away from holding our Government accountable through free and fair elections.Lets reclaim our Country, that has too long been on the wrong hands full of corruption,lack of rule of law no respect for human rights and Nigeria must remain a secular Nation. should remain a secular

  • Prctocol84@hotmail.com
    Sep 14 2009, 18:18

    One should at least say hey to the Administration of President Umaru Musa Yaradua to even considering to throw out the corrupt Michael Kaase Aondoakaa who offered Nigeria nothing as chief law enforcer but violation of their civil rights and their human rights.To be blunt,Mr. Corrupt Michael Kasse Aondoakaa,one will be surprised if history treats you well because it will not.As you have failed to stand for the truth for the people of this Nation when they needed you most by properly and fairly investigate the politicians who did really take advantage of those they Governed instead you sided with them[corrupt politicans] and misuse your office to prevent the Efcc from getting to the bottom of the investigations by your usual coverups for your political godfather- Ibori and the likes.Nigeria as a Nation will not forgive you and your actions.One asks, where is your conscience and do you have any at all?Surely,Mr.Michael Kasse Aondoakaa you need atonement.You wronged and betrayed your Nation.Before you leave your office as Attorney General, Please do not be ashame to go the television and apologise to the Nation of Nigeria for indignified way you treated her while in office with this,you may be able to be true to yourself the 1st time.

  • heishere
    Sep 13 2009, 16:18

    WHY DO THE PRESIDENT CONTINUE TO SHUFFLE ALL THIS DEADWOOD, FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER. WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE YOUNG GRADUATES, WHO COME FROM THE 21st CENTURY COLLEGES, ARE UP TO THE NEW IDEAS AND INTERNATIONAL WAY OF DOING BUSINESS. KNOW HOW TO USE A COMPUTER. IS HE WAITING FOR ALL THE WOMEN AND YOUNG MEN, BAND TOGETHER, WITH MACHETES, IN THEIR HANDS, MARCH UPON THE CONGRESS AND PRESIDENT, PLACES OF BUSINESS, THROW THEM ALL OUT IN THE STREET LIKE WAS DONE IN OTHER COUNTRIES? LUCKMAN, BEEN THERE SINCE 1986 OTHERS HALF AS LONG IN POLITICS. THE YOUNG TURKS WANT TO RUN FOR OFFICE REACH OUT FOR ME AND I WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO RAISE THE FUNDS TO DO SO AS WELL AS TO MAKE SURE YOUR VOTES COUNTS.

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