President Bola Tinubu on Monday warned members of his new cabinet that he would hold them to the standard he promised Nigerians during his campaign to be elected.
He gave the alert after presiding over their oath-taking in the conference centre of the presidential villa in Abuja, where he admonished them not to see themselves as representing particular regions, ethnicity, or state.
He said having been screened and confirmed by the Senate in line with the constitutional obligation, and the 45 ministers will superintend over the ministries of the federal government in “this administration of renewed hope.”
inubu explained that he carefully selected them for their track record of excellence and achievement in the public and private sectors.
According to him, they “reflect the diversity of Nigeria and bring to their new role an assortment of experience and expertise to help guide the nation’s affairs and also continue to rebuild the nation and re-engineer all its finances and defects, building blocks of Nigeria today and the future.”
Admitting the enormity of the task before the new ministers, President Tinubu affirmed that an opportunity exists to implement reforms that will improve governance and transform the economy for the benefit of the people.
He said: “Fellow Nigerians, the challenges we face today are very daunting, yes, and yet amidst this evident challenge, we have the opportunity to implement long overdue reforms that will improve the operation of government, transform our nation’s economy and ensure peace, safety, and prosperity for our people.
“These are the objectives that underpin the renewed hope agenda. And these are the objectives that inspired the selection of many of these distinguished ladies and gentlemen ministers.
“Ministers of the federal republic, you are not a minister of a region or Minister of a particular state.
“Since my inauguration on May 29, I have taken steps to begin implementing the agenda from which I campaigned and for which I received the mandate of the Nigerian people.
“With the inauguration of ministers today, we are about to accelerate our governing efforts to move forward, highlighting our best aspiration for Nigerians. It is all about a great team. And I believe we have them here.
“It is the highest honour to be chosen to serve as the minister in the Federal Executive Council of our beloved Republic. “With such high honour comes tremendous responsibility in this moment of abundant promise and failure in equal measure.
“All of you who have been sworn in have been called to distinguish yourselves. It is me who knows you. I delegate this authority, but the greatest number of Nigerians are highly expecting delivery and accountability, and transparency.
“I expect that you will serve with integrity, dignity, and deliver. I will hold you to that standard we all promised Nigerians.
“Your assignment begins immediately. As your country honours you today, by this call to service, you must each work to make yourself worthy in the eyes of God and all our nation’s people.
“Your highest obligation is to restore public faith in government so that our people can once again believe that the right hands in government can show. I believe in you that the government can be a positive force for transformation and a vehicle for the collective progress of this country.”
While congratulating the new appointees and wishing them success in their assignments, Tinubu noted that Nigerians will be watching the government to see how it navigates its mandate.
“We are on this boat even if it is a vehicle, and I am the driver, the entire Nigerians are behind, sitting and watching as you and I navigate this vehicle.
“We must hold each other responsible. We have to do the job to meet the expectations of all Nigerians.
“As I said earlier on, you are not a minister of a particular state, colonies, region, or ethnic nationality, you are a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.
