By Suzan Edeh

ONE of the first things Bauchi people expected from Governor Mohammed Abubakar is the formation of his cabinet, which is he yet to do more than 100 days after his swearing-in. The Governor has kept details of his proposed cabinet to his chest. Leading critics of his administration, who are mainly from the People Democratic Party (PDP) have attributed the delay to the governor’s desire to recover the funds he expended on his election campaigns.

Gov. Bauchi-Mohammed-Abdull

Since the publication of N8.60 billion bailout for the state, the critics have not ceased to express concern over Abubakar’s governing of the state without a state executive council. Another controversy surrounding the delay of the governor in appointing commissioners is an alleged rift between him and the House of Assembly over a N4 billion loan he allegedly collected before he was sworn in.

Since the appointment of his commissioners has to receive the approval of the House, the governor must settle this score with them before he forms his cabinet. A critical assessment of the governor’s core appointments such as the secretary to the state government, Chief of staff and others shows that he appoints experienced and competent people who possess records of proven integrity.

Quest for credible people, perhaps, may be why the governor is taking time in his appointment. Governor Abubakar on many occasions had said that his government will block all financial leakages to save money and cut the cost of governance. In essence, the number of appointees may be reduced in line with the financial situation of the state.

Currently, there is pressure on the governor by political godfathers to appoint their preferred candidates. As it stands, there is no sign that a cabinet will be in place in the next few days and tongues are wagging on why the Governor has continued to keep the people in suspense over the matter.

Although some of the governor’s loyalists have opined that the governor is not obliged under any law to appoint commissioners within 100 days of assuming office, political analysts averred that for purposes of honesty, accountability, transparency and good governance, there are certain provisions in the law that require Executive Council’s resolutions, especially, on issues of bilateral agreement or issues that concern fiscal responsibilities.

Reacting to criticisms over the governor’s delay in constituting his cabinet, the Director of Press, Alhaji Ibrahim Sani, said such criticisms have no substance and that the governor is only being meticulous.

His words: “The absence of commissioners is not strange to Bauchi State. The delay is to put square pegs in square holes, besides, many states and the Federal Government are yet to appoint commissioners or ministers. But Bauchi’s case is based on wide consultations. It is also meant to form a cabinet that will stand the test of time.’’