Seven people to watch in Buhari’s cabinet

                                               
Nigerians finally know the names of those who will form President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet, after the senate approved the list of 36 nominees, five months after the president took office.

Mr Buhari, who was elected in March partly on a promise to tackle corruption and insecurity, vowed to select competent and clean individuals.

But when the much-anticipated list was released, many were disappointed, asking whether the wait had been worth it, and whether those selected were the best in the country.

Some say the list is full of old and recycled politicians who have been part of Nigeria’s problems.

The youths who worked tirelessly during his campaign have also been disappointed because the average age in the cabinet is 52. Some women’s groups have also voiced their anger that there are just six females on the list.

The 36 names approved by MPs – but yet to be given portfolios – include five former governors, nine lawyers, four former senators, three academics, two medical doctors, two retired soldiers and a clergyman.

The combination of experienced politicians and technocrats shows that the president was trying to balance his choice – rewarding party loyalists, while also selecting some professionals.