…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Minister Festus Keyamo Raises Concerns about Unlawfulness of Minister of State Appointment
President Muhammadu Buhari has chosen not to address the claim made by Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, regarding the appointment of Ministers of State being an aberration and unconstitutional.
Keyamo made this assertion during a valedictory session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by President Buhari at the State House in Abuja.
Keyamo Highlights Redundancy and Lack of Autonomy for Ministers of State
Keyamo expressed his views that many of his colleagues had been redundant over the past eight years and that ministers of state have lacked the courage to voice their concerns.
He argued that it was challenging to assess the individual performances of ministers of state as their decisions were always subject to approval by senior ministers.
Keyamo criticized the practice of requiring clearance from another cabinet colleague before original ideas could be considered by the Council.
President Buhari Maintains Silence on Keyamo’s Statement
Despite the controversial nature of Keyamo’s statement, President Buhari chose not to respond to it.
Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, confirmed during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today that President Buhari did not address Keyamo’s claims.