Jonathan May Announce New Cabinet Before Mid-Week

PHOTO: ACTING PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN.

San Francisco March 18, (THEWILL) - Nigeria's Acting President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan will next week send a list of ministerial nominees to the National Assembly with almost half of the dissolved cabinet members making the list, a top presidency source told THEWILL.

Jonathan dissolved cabinet on Wednesday evening after a meeting with cabinet members.

A quick reconstitution would enable the Acting President begin his reforms in earnest.

Though the Acting President is keeping the names of the nominees to himself, those likely to make a comeback to the cabinet are former Minister of State for Petroleum Odein Ajumogobia; Professor Dora Akunyili, who is likely to return as FCT Minister or Minister of Health; Dieziani Allison-Maduekwe; Godspower Orubebe; and Godwin Abbe.

However, FCT Minister Adamu Aliero; Dr. Sayyadi Abba Ruma; controversial Michael Aondoakaa; and Rilwanu Lukman are unlikely to return, the source added.

Jonathan, who rescheduled a planned trip to Ajaokuta today because there is no Minister in charge at the Ministry of Power is currently awaiting names of nominees from state governors and the top leaders of the PDP to fill up cabinet slots.

When the new Ministers are eventually sworn in, they are expected to give full loyalty to the Acting President.

Nigerian gravely ill president, Umaru Yar’Adua, who has not been seen since November 23, 2009 is not likely to return to power again and Jonathan is carrying on with most of his (Yar’Adua) administration’s policies.