Shock As Tinubu Assigns Ministerial Portfolios; Wike Is FCT Minister, Umahi, Works, Alake Loses Information, Badaru Gets Defence

By Ayodele Oni

In a surprise move, President Bola Tinubu has appointed former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. Wike’s appointment is unprecedented as it is the first time a non- Norther will be so appointed.

In another unprecedented appointment, former Governor of Ebonyi State gas been appointed the Minister for Works. This is a first for an Igbo man.

These facts came as Tinubu is reported to have assigned portfolios to the newly appointed Ministers.

Cleared by the Senate, the Minister’s designate are yet to be sworn in by President Tinubu.

According to the list of portfolios sighted  Wednesday evening, Blueprint publisher, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Malagi has been named Minister of Information and and National Orientation, first time the office, for years, is going North.

Former governors of Rivers and Ebonyi States Nyesom Wike and David Umahi will take charge of FCT and Ministry of Works.

Their Jigawa State counterpart,  Mohammed Badaru named Minister of Defence, while former Governor of Plateau State is Minister for Labour and Productivity.

Former special adviser to the president on communications and strategy, Dele Alake had been highly favoured to take charge of information ministry.

There has not been official confirmation of portfolios allocation from the Presidency.

More details, later.