We waited all night. Around a conference table with a flickering fluorescent bulb overhead and a barrel of coffee to one side – there to hold the sleep at bay – we waited for #TheList. We waited for who would be our next technology minister, for it’s all we really care about.
Seeing it was nowhere in sight, we began to hazzard everyone we thought would fit on that seat, and came up with a list; a homage to all the beautiful things that can come out of coffee overdose. That was seven days ago and the Nigerian President Buhari rewarded us with #Thelist at the end of it.
And today, for the first time, details of the list were made public. The twenty one names on the list were released:
#TheList:
Abubakar Malami (SAN),
Abdurahman Bello Dambazzau,
Aisha Jumai Al Hassan,
Alhaji Lai Mohammed,
Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN),
Adebayo Shittu,
Solomon Dalong,
Senator Chris Ngige,
Rotimi Amaechi,
Chief Audu Ogbeh.
Mrs. Amina Ibrahim,
Dr. Osagie Ehaneri,
Emmanuel Kachukwu,
Dr. Kayode Fayemi,
Eng. Suleiman Adamu,
Mrs. Kemi Adeosun,
Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu,
Hon. Ahmed Musa Bello,
Ibrahim Usman Jubrin,
Senator Hadi Serika
Senator Udo Udoma.
BUT, portfolios have not been announced for individual nominees. Not amused.
It doesn’t help that none of the names on here appear plausible for the technology minister’s portfolio, nor have a direct bearing around technology and communication. Nominees like Babatunde Fashola (by the way, we still remember that N 78 million website) and Rotimi Amaechi seem probable because they have interacted with the technology community – if only for the photo ops – but those are still a long shot.
Screening will begin for the nominees at the Senate next week, even as the presidency said more names will be forwarded for the screening process.
So, who on this list will be Nigeria’s technology minister? Absolutely no idea. I wonder if maybe Nigeria will get a technology minister infact, but we’ll be waiting. Patiently this time.
