New Cabinet List: Ngozi Iweala Stalls Jonathan Over Pay And Control Of Economic Policy.

Ngozi Iweala

Would you give up the power and privilege of the position of Managing Director of the World Bank in exchange for a second stint as Minister of Finance of Nigeria?

Would you do it if you had no guarantee you could control economic policy?  Would you do it for a local salary that is considerably out of tune with that of your current job in Washington, DC?

These are some of the questions said to be standing between Mrs. Ngozi Okonji-Iweala and the desire of Goodluck Jonathan to see his former cabinet colleague return to the job at Finance, and they have stalled the early release of his cabinet nominees.

Mr. Jonathan, who is putting finishing touches to a lackluster cabinet composed mostly of his former ministers and Peoples Democratic Party executives, is reportedly negotiating with Mrs. Okonji-Iweala. She had previously been involved in a dollar-denominated salary controversy when she took up a similar appointment with former president Olusegun Obasanjo.


Dr.  Okonjo-Iweala is currently enroute to Nigeria from Russia and is amongst new ministerial nominees whose names were obtained last night by Naija News Desk.  Although her last and brief job was in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she would most likely be nominated to head Finance.

Other names on the list include Mary Onyali-Omagbemi, a former field and track champion; Ms Jumoke Akinjide, the daughter of Chief Akinjide of the infamous 12-2/3rd controversy; Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman; Alhaji Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar; Alhaji Nuhu Zagbayi, Dr. Mohammed Haliru Bello, Professor Rufai Alkali, a former PDP secretary, Dr. Tonye Cole; Hajiya Zainab Maina;  Alhaji Bukar Tijjani; Mr. Mohammed Musa; Dr. Akinwumi Adefila; Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi; Alhaji Yerima Ngama, Mrs. Ada Okwuon, Elder Godsday Orubebe; and Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke.

Others are Professor Bath Nnaji , Jonathan's adviser on power who is expected to head the Power ministry; Mr. Mohammed Adoke; Dr. Onyebuchi Chukwu; Mr. Labaran Maku, Chief Chukwuemeka Ngozi Wogu; Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, SAN; Senator Bala Mohammed; Prince Adetokunbo Kayode; Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade, and Professor Ruqqayatu Rufai.


Correction: This article previously stated that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala was in Nigeria, she is currently on her way to Nigeria from Russia. We apologize for the mistake.