By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Anxiety has enveloped many former political appointees in Anambra State as Governor Charles Soludo continues to delay the announcement of additional cabinet appointments, nearly three weeks after initial nominations.
Recall that on March 25, two commissioners—Finance and Justice—were sworn in, alongside the new Secretary to the State Government and a few domestic staff.
Expectations had been high that the full list of cabinet members would be unveiled shortly after. However, the governor has reportedly kept the list closely guarded.
Instead, Soludo travelled to the United Kingdom, where he attended a town hall meeting with Anambra indigenes in the diaspora. He is expected to return this weekend.
Meanwhile, lobbying for appointments reportedly extended to the UK, as some interested individuals travelled abroad in a bid to press their case. However, the governor maintained a studied silence throughout.
A source within the Government House in Awka disclosed that many lobbyists returned to Nigeria frustrated, having failed to glean any indication of the governor’s intentions regarding the composition of his cabinet.
“Some of us who believed we were close to him tried to read meaning into his body language or even casual remarks, but we got nothing. Those who travelled to the UK came back not only disappointed but even more confused,” the source said.
Another insider, described as a member of the “kitchen cabinet,” revealed that some appointees from the governor’s first term were given the option to choose from three possible positions. It remains unclear whether they have made their selections.
When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Christian Aburime, also declined to provide specifics, noting that only the governor has the authority to determine the final list.
“He is the governor and solely responsible for deciding who makes the list. However, I believe he is taking his time because he seeks the best. To sustain the tempo of good governance, careful selection of the right personnel is essential,” he said.
