Femi Fani-Kayode, 5 Others Appointed Ministers!

BY Sunny Ofili  The Times of Nigeria (www.thetimesofnigeria.com) 
Forwarded by Phil Tam-Al Alalibo

Five Federal ministers in President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government this morning announced their resignation from the government while another was relieved of his duties by the president.

The Minister of State for Water Resources, Engr. Bashir Awotorebo, was relieved of his duties. No explanation was given for his firing.

According to a press statement issued this morning by Oluremi Oyo, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media, the ministers requested a release from the President in other “To enable them to pursue their ambitions for elective office in 2007.”

The ministers are Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, Minister of Culture & Tourism, Alhaji Magaji Mohammed Minister of Internal Affairs, Alhaji Adamu Idris Waziri, Minister of Commerce, Alhaji Saidu Sambawa, Minister of Sports & Social Development and Col. Musa Mohammed (rtd.), Minister of Inter-Governmental Affairs, Youth Dev., & Special Duties.

In their place, President Olusegun Obasanjo has nominated six candidates for their replacement. Notable among the six is his loquacious special assistant and spokesman, Femi Fani-Kayode.

Senate President, Ken Nnamani read out the names of the ministerial nominees this morning on the Senate floor. They are Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode (Osun), Bala Kaoje, (Kebbi), Seidu Abba-runa (Katsina), Eka Mbam (Ebonyi), Salome Jakanda (Taraba) and Amina Ibrahim (Gombe).

Fani-Kayode has been a highly criticized for his abrasive style. He has been described as the President’s hatchet man. He has been involved in many spats with notable Nigerians such as Professor Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe and Gani Fawehinmi.

Robot  Villager

# 1 Femi Fani-Kayode, 5 Others Appointed Minister...Read the full article. Posted by Robot| 01.06.2006 14:34

Akinbola  Villager

# 2 Abeg....where is Abrakas or Abraxas? Comments plssssss! Posted by Akinbola| 01.06.2006 14:40

planet1899  Villager

# 3 Here is a perfect example of the dividends of loyalty. Which ministry will he be in charge of? Is there a Ministry Insults, Abuse and Rudeness? Posted by planet1899| 01.06.2006 14:41

bennie  Villager

# 4 The President is on his way out, therefore, he is trying to make new friends and consolidate old frienships as he knows himself, the world outside Aso Rock is not very friendly. Has he decided on what to do with the EFCC? 'Cos I am sure they will come after him upon leaving office. Posted by bennie| 01.06.2006 15:10

I Love Nigeria  Villager

# 5 I congratulate Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode on his nomination and I hope he is confirmed and that he makes a good minister! On my part, I strongly believe that President Obasanjo is maligned and abused too frequently and that the president deserved and still deserve persons who are able to get his reform programs and policies out in a continuous and sustained manner! President Obasanjo has done so much, that are unheralded and under appreciated.... the president has had such bad press .... bad press that is not justified at all! President Obasanjo's critics puts negative spin and interpretations on every of his actions... they have demonstrated so much hatred without justifications. Rapid Response is what the president front office requires to keep the public and press adequately and promptly informed of all actions, strategies, planning and vision. This president deserves, and so Nigeria. I hope that the replacement for Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode is even more audacious and a person who possess the strength of character to respond to Nigeria's detractors! Posted by I Love Nigeria| 01.06.2006 15:15

afunwa69

# 6 Obj is a captain of a sinking boat and I am sorry for anyone that gets on board his boat. It is the struggling of a drowning man. Think, to go close or else he will pull you down. Posted by afunwa69| 01.06.2006 15:33

rollover  JJC

# 7 The answer is simple. Names like Akinbolas and Abraxas are a misnomer. Besides, racism and blind faith in one's ethnic group is the bigest problem facing Nigeria. Comment too pleeeezzzzzzzzzzz Posted by rollover| 01.06.2006 15:45

Fide  JJC

# 8 Hmmmm, villager...i am forced to ask if you were pro 3rd term or anti-3rd term even though the answer to that is obvious. The article in question in my understanding had to do with the appointment of someone in the ranks of Uche Oghene(chukwu)merije to a ministerial post possible for self servance. How did it end up about bad publicity for Baba Iyabo? Posted by Fide| 01.06.2006 16:00

Chillyboy  JJC

# 9 As the saying goes “what goes around comes around”. The same Femi, who about a week ago described moves by the House of Representatives to impeach his boss as a “minor irritation” and “infantile nonsense” is now facing the possibility answering questions from members of the Senate. Yes! It is easy to say at least he did not insult senators. However, the Senators should take heed to the adage that says “the stick that was used to abuse the first wife is laying in wait for the second wife”. Femi is an attack dog that is needed by every government to respond to perceived enemies. I supported Femi when he reminded the US that Nigeria is a sovereign nation capable of handling her internal affairs regarding the third term issue. Alas! Femi was proved right. The National Assembly did what they had to do to handle the situation. But when Femi starts calling elected representatives of the people “irritants” and engaging in “infantile nonsense”, it only shows one thing – his utter disregard for the wishes of the people. How effective does OBJ think Femi will be in any government Ministry, is he going to be an Abuja Minister, because Femi will not be a welcomed guest, and I dare to say, anywhere in Nigeria. Wait a minute! Is OBJ feeding Femi to the Senators to get a taste of his own medicine? Time will surely tell. Posted by Chillyboy| 01.06.2006 17:19

Tsohon Soja  Villager

# 10 Congrates Amina Ibrahim. With records in AFRI-Projects, education etc, I see a reshufflement and posting to the Ministry of Education. That will the deft(est) OBJ last move. My worry for you is an appointment at the verge of a government (Niaja la wa). Oga OBJ, whatever you do please do not send Fani-Kayode to the Sports Ministry. This I beg you in the name of 'who/whatever' you believe in. We have had enough. Those who want progress in Nigeria sports, help me say - Amen. Posted by Tsohon Soja| 01.06.2006 17:30

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