Soludo: two ministers to go!

Many reasons have being given by virtually every informed and uninformed commentator on the non-reappointment of the proactive immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

Some of the reasons, probable, others, outright nonsense; but for me, I have this hunch that his non-reappointment is because, he is been programmed for a higher office: the Minister of Finance or National Planning.

This means that another cabinet rationalization exercise, is not far off; however, minor. And if this comes to pass, then, Mrs. Akunyili—who in my candid opinion is technically, out of job—would go. Her elevation to a Minister in a Ministry where her impact would be hard to feel, explains it all. It was just, in military parlance, a passing out parade.

My premise? Well, Prof. is just too involve with the conceptualisation of most of the programs—FSS 20-20—that we Nigerians hope would take the country to the promise land, and they are broad based, covering sectors outside the control of a CBN but within the purview of a knowledgeable and astute Minister of Finance or National Planning which according to the respected Senator Mark, the current,is not, having once described him as incompetent fellow.

But beyond my premise, you also have the generous praise and commendation of the President himself, which was outside the standard wishing well statement. Add this to the indirect praise and acknowledgement he received from the National Assembly during the screening of one of lieutenants, Tunde Lemo, for reappointment as deputy governor. After reeling out some of the achievements of the Soludo era and explaining some policy statement of the past governor, all of which, he categorically stated, he was proud to be part of, the shout of bow and go rented the air.

Again, Yaradua has not attempted to disband the team that he led but rather, brought in another competent hand to strengthen it following, the exist of Madams, Iweala and Ezekwesili, both now at the World Bank at different levels.

So, those homebound in any “wishing you well in your future endeavour” exercise would include Akunyili and the current Minister of Finance, shamsudeen,; though, accommodation could and may be, found for Prof. Akunyili, for her self created larger than life image which would come handy in the months and years ahead.

But should the president thinking be at variance with mine, then he would find work for his hands either in is former place of work—university of Nigeria— and the numerous international institutions that he consulted for; or move to the world bank and team up with his former colleagues in the Obasanjo’s government.

Finally, my congratulations to Mr. Lamido Sanusi, the new CBN governor and his deputy, Tunde Lemo, a super lion like myself, from the same department and also to big brother, Soludo, another super lion, for temporary “stepping aside” from hectic duties before the commencement of another. Congratulations, once more, good Nigerians.

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