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Jonathan reappoints 12 Ministers to old jobs
Reuters Sat June 02,2011
*Oil minister returns
*Critics question team's reformist credentials
* More appointments expected next week
By Felix Onuah
ABUJA, July 2 (Reuters) - Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan
reappointed 12 ministers from the outgoing government to their
old jobs on Saturday following general elections in April,
including oil minister Deziani Alison-Madueke.
Jonathan was sworn in for his first full term over a month ago
and his ministerial choices are being closely watched by
Nigerians and foreign investors keen for a team capable of
driving badly needed reforms in Africa's most populous nation.
"Those of you who are returning are to go back to your
ministries and start work immediately," Jonathan said, adding
that two new ministers also sworn in on Saturday would be
informed of their portfolios on Monday morning.
Those returning also include planning minister Shamsuddeen Usman,
minister for the oil producing Niger Delta Godsday Orubebe,
justice minister Mohammed Bello Adoke, mines minister Mohammed
Sada and information minister Labaran Maku.
The
return of so many familiar faces has led Jonathan's critics to
question whether his new team will have the reformist
credentials it needs. His backers say retaining a core of the
old guard will help to ensure consistency.
Government sources have said Jonathan has spoken with World Bank
managing director Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former Nigerian finance
minister, about her returning to the government in overall
charge of the economy.
Her inclusion in the cabinet would bring credibility to
Jonathan's reform ambitions. However, she is understood to want
a role that would give her more autonomy than the outgoing
minister and the negotiations are continuing.
Alison-Madueke has repeatedly promised the imminent passage of
the long-delayed Petroleum Industry Bill, a wide-ranging reform
plan which will alter Nigeria's decades-old relationship with
foreign oil partners. But the legislation has yet to pass.
Some people in the energy industry, particularly those involved
in buying onshore oil blocks being sold by Royal Dutch Shell (RDSa.L:
Quote), had hoped Alison-Madueke would be reappointed
as she has already worked on the deals and they are likely to
pass more quickly.
Jonathan has so far submitted a list of 34 names to the Senate
and the upper house is expected to approve the next batch on
Tuesday. The president is then expected to submit a final list
to complete his more than 40-strong cabinet. (For more Reuters
Africa coverage and to have your say on the top issues, visit:
af.reuters.com/ ) (Writing by Nick Tattersall;
Editing by David Stamp)
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