Jonathan submits 34 cabinet nominees to Senate

Jonathan submits 34 cabinet nominees to Senate
Obiora Ani and Latifat Afegbua, Abuja

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has submitted 34 names for his new cabinet for Senate approval, including outgoing oil minister Deziani Alison-Madueke and former Finance Minister, Olusegun Aganga.

Senate President David Mark read the list, which did not specify portfolios, to the upper house of parliament on Tuesday. Jonathan is expected to send a further list of names to complete the government team later.

Jonathan was sworn in for his first full term almost 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.

Government sources have said Jonathan had spoken with World Bank managing Director, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former Nigerian finance minister, about her returning to government in overall charge of the economy.

Her inclusion in the cabinet would bring credibility to Jonathan's reform ambitions but she is believed to have requested for a role that would give her more autonomy and powers than the outgoing finance minister if she was to return to Nigerian politics.

Government sources said negotiations were ongoing.

Aganga, a former Goldman Sachs executive, oversaw the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund signed into law by Jonathan last month. Some banking industry sources have said he could end up running that fund or take another role.

Alison-Madueke has repeatedly promised the imminent passage of the long-delayed Petroleum Industry Bill, wide-ranging reforms which will alter Nigeria's decades-old relationship with its foreign oil partners, but the legislation is yet to pass.

Official Ministerial Nominees sent to the Senate President, Senator David Mark dated June 27 2011, in accordance with section 147 (2) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Iheanacho/Williams