Vacancy for post of Minister, Federal Republic of Nigeria!

We recall with our jaws still wide open, the recent report that 33 out of the 36 ministerial nominees submitted for security clearance failed on the ground of corruption-related backgrounds. Whether fact or fiction, corruption remains deeply rooted within our political circles of which the pool is always drawn from. The wind of change is […]

We recall with our jaws still wide open, the recent report that 33 out of the 36 ministerial nominees submitted for security clearance failed on the ground of corruption-related backgrounds. Whether fact or fiction, corruption remains deeply rooted within our political circles of which the pool is always drawn from.
The wind of change is believed to have made away with the 16 years of traditional selection strategy and brought in the extraordinary in its place. Perhaps the time is ripe for Nigerians to flip the dailies and come across the vacancies for ministerial positions, demanding direct applications, probably to be sorted out online. The first obstacle towards making this dream a reality has purportedly been struck out: the governors and their political associates’ intervention.
 The academia and world of bureaucrats in the country are made up of gifted ‘saints’ much needed for the new agenda. These hands might not have access to that limelight or be close enough to be spotted by the president’s binoculars. A preliminary ministry-portfolio zoning to the states might also not be a far-fetched idea to the constitutional doctrines of federal character as these states already possess known attributable achievements and sector-driven experience.
The question of integrity will therefore lie on the formidable selection team of consultants, panel members and industry-related analysts. Though the process might be swift to delist most entries because of the extended high ranking merit-based prerequisites seemingly required by his Excellency, it will definitely be a tough battle of intellectuals and not far away from the already declared September agenda or the trail of the newly appointed service chiefs on the fate-merit expressway.
It is something that can be done, as the only system we Nigerians see as ‘transparent’ is that which we can see through with our own eyes.
Shamsudeen Kabir Bello<[email protected]>