President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said he would no longer nominate unknown persons for ministerial positions.
The President said this during his maiden meeting with the leadership of the National Assembly, adding that only those tested and capable of delivering on assigned mandates will make the ministerial list, NAN reports.
It was gathered that at the meeting which held at the new Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday night, July 11, Buhari said he was under intense pressure to constitute the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
He, however, said despite the pressure, only those with track records, honesty and credibility would be appointed.
“Many at this dinner meeting are saying they want to see the list of the proposed cabinet so that they can go on leave peacefully.
“I’m very much aware about it; I’m under tremendous pressure on it. But the last cabinet which I headed, most of them, the majority of them I didn’t know them. I had to accept the names and recommendations from the party and other individuals.
“I worked with them for three and half years at least – meeting twice or two weeks in a month. So I know them. “But, this time around I’m going to be quiet me – me in the sense that I will pick people I personally know,’’ he said.
He, therefore, enjoined the lawmakers to partner with the executive arm in leaving good legacies for the country as his administration was on its last lap.
The president advised the National Assembly to always avoid comparing their parliamentary procedures with that of advanced democracies such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
