There were strong indications yesterday that President Muhammadu Buhari is on the final lap of consultations with some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
It was learnt that the President has met with some leaders of the party on the shape of his cabinet, those who may be on board and what he intends to do.
But he is yet to unveil his list of cabinet members to the leadership of the party.
A top member of the APC, who spoke in confidence, confirmed that the President is working with the party.
Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the President in the past two weeks has met with some leaders of the APC to “feel their pulse and rub minds” with them on the choice of new ministers.
It was learnt that the President has met with some leaders of the party in the last one week in particular.
It was gathered that in one of the meetings, Buhari restated his pledge to the nation to submit the list of his cabinet to the National Assembly this month.
A top source said: “The President is on the last lap of consultations on his cabinet. I am aware that the President met with some leaders of the party and those in his think-tank.
“I think he is almost set with his team to meet the September deadline.”
A member of the National Working Committee of the party said: “As far as the list of ministers is concerned, the President is working with the party. Most people do not know that Buhari is a party man to the core. He believes in the supremacy of the party.
“I am aware that the President has met with some leaders of the APC to discuss his plans, the shape of his cabinet and his targets.
“To avoid speculations, Buhari has kept the list of his team under wraps, but his body language provided some inkling.
“I think going by his style, the President has not disclosed his list to anyone.”
One of the aides of the President said: “The ministerial list can be released any time. After all, there are 30 days in September.
“Going by constitutional provision, I don’t see the President appointing less than 36 ministers.
“Section 147(1-3) directs the President to appoint at least 36 ministers unless the constitution is amended.”
The section reads: “There shall be such offices of Ministers of the Government of the Federation as may be established by the President.
“Any appointment to the office of Minister of the Government of the Federation shall, if the nomination of any person to such office is confirmed by the Senate, be made by the President.
“Any appointment under subsection (2) of this section by the President shall be in conformity with the provisions of section 14(3) of this Constitution.
“Provided that in giving effect to the Provisions aforesaid, the President shall appoint at least one Minister from each state who shall be an indigene of such state.”
The Nation News paper
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