*Shuts out Daggash, Ogiemwonyi, Essien for lateness

By Daniel Idonor

ABUJA—DESPITE the orientation on acceptable practices in the conduct of cabinet members, staged at Wednesday’s meeting of the Executive Council of the Federation, EXCOF, three of the ministers came late to their first public function in the State House yesterday.

The three ministers were, therefore, locked out of the council chambers.

The ministers were those of Works, Senator Sanusi Daggash with his Minister of State, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, and Minister of Land, Housing and Development, Hon. Nduese Essien.

*Daggash, Ogiemwonyi and Essien

The gate leading to the chamber which is always open during functions, was locked to prevent other ministers who might also come late for the meeting, from coming in.

The ministers who ought to have been on their seats by 12.00 noon were seeing walking into the villa at about 12.45 p.m.

The Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan presided over the meeting where he received the report on Millennium Development Goals, MDGs.

Jonathan who told the ministers after their inauguration to hit the ground running, warned them that there is no room for failure. He had said: “No minister will be allowed to go on a mission of endless search for solutions. You must hit the ground running!

“Time is of fundamental essence and no distraction in our mission will be tolerated. This is a patriotic call to service and the self must, therefore, take a back seat. This rare privilege must not be abused!”

One of the ministers seen displaying his invitation to one of his sympathizers indicated that the time on his invitation was 1.00 pm.