- President Bola Tinubu has appointed members of the opposition Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party to governing boards of agencies, parastatals, institutions, and government-owned companies
- The appointments were made following the dissolution of the boards of these agencies last month
- Tinubu has promised to lead an inclusive government that would propel Nigeria to greatness
Members of the opposition Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party have been appointed to governing boards of agencies, parastatals, institutions, and government-owned companies by President Bola Tinubu.
This was revealed by Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, at a meeting of the forum in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to Abdulrazaq, the President directed governors to appoint qualified individuals to serve on the boards and parastatals of Federal Government agencies that were dissolved last month.
Tinubu dissolved the boards last month, leaving 2,000 vacant positions that are expected to be filled by new nominees.
Among the agencies is the North-East Development Commission, with 12 vacant board slots, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, with seven board seats; Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, seven; Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, 21.
Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, 12; National Universities Commission, 21 and Transmission Commission of Nigeria, 14; National Health Insurance Authority,12
Others are the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, 7; Nigerian Meteorological Agency, seven; Nigerian College of Aviation Technology,8; Nigerian Police Trust Fund, 8; Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency,10; Federal Institute of Industrial Research, 11 and National Centre for Technology Management, 11 among others.
“Members (of NGF) resolved to commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for showing leadership by extending the opportunity to governors across party lines, by asking them to nominate competent people from their fold for appointment into boards of parastatals,” according to a communique issued at the end of the NGF meeting on Wednesday.
The PDP has more than ten governors, while the Labour Party has one.
Tinubu promised to lead an inclusive government that would propel Nigeria to greatness shortly after winning the presidential election.
In March, as president-elect, Tinubu stated that he wanted a better country not just for himself and his supporters, but for all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation.
He categorically stated that urging those who did not vote for him to change their affiliation would be undemocratic, but they should have a “patriotic duty as the loyal opposition.”
I ask that we work together as Nigerians for Nigeria. Those who voted for me, I ask that you continue to believe in our policies and plans for the country,” he said.
I also ask that you reach out to your brothers and sisters who did not vote as you did. Extend to them the hand of friendship, reconciliation, and togetherness.
To those of you who did not vote for me, I ask you to believe in Nigeria and in the capacity of your fellow citizens, even those who voted differently than you. The better Nigeria I seek is not just for me and my supporters. It is equally yours.
Speaking about the hope of forming a government that reflects competence, Tinubu said, “There has been talk of a government of national unity. My aim is higher than that. I seek a government of national competence.
In selecting my government, I shall not be weighed down by considerations extraneous to ability and performance. The day for political gamesmanship is long gone. I shall assemble competent men and women and young people from across Nigeria to build a safer, more prosperous, and just Nigeria.
There shall be young people. Women shall be prominent. Whether your faith leads you to pray in a church or mosque will not determine your place in government. Character and competence will.