President Muhammadu Buhari says he will not appoint as ministers individuals he does not know, suggesting that the last set of ministers he had during his first term was imposed on him.
In a late-night meeting with the leadership of the National Assembly, Buhari also said only tested and capable individuals who can deliver on their mandates will make his ministerial list.
“Many at this dinner meeting are saying they want to see the list of the proposed cabinet so that they can go on live peacefully.
“I’m very much aware about it. I’m under tremendous pressure on it. But the last cabinet which I headed, most of them, the majority of them I didn’t know them. I had to accept the names and recommendations from the party and other individuals.
“I worked with them for three and half years at least – meeting twice or two weeks in a month. So I know them.
“But, this time around I’m going to be quiet me – me in the sense that I will pick people I personally know,’’ he said.
At the meeting held at the new Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, President Buhari said he was under intense pressure to constitute the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Despite the pressure, he reiterated that only those with track records, honesty and credibility would be appointed.
He, therefore, enjoined the lawmakers to partner the executive arm in leaving good legacies for the country as his administration was on its last lap.
The president advised the National Assembly to always avoid comparing their parliamentary procedures with that of advanced democracies such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
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