Confusion Rocks Aso Rock

Total confusion rocked Aso Rock on Friday morning as it was disclosed that one of President Muhamamdu Buhari’s ministerial nominees from Gombe State, Suleiman Hassan was also in March confirmed by the Senate as an ambassador designate.

Hassan, already ambassador-designate having been so confirmed by the Senate earlier in March, was nominated for ministerial position on Wednesday by  Buhari.

He is to represent Gombe State in the Federal Executive Council, following the exit of former Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed.

But a source close to the President told Premium Times  that the nomination of  Hassan as a ministerial nominee despite the fact of his being an ambassador-designate ‘’was not a matter of confusion or lack of due diligence.’’

“He (Mr. Hassan) is Buhari’s boy; the relationship between them is like the one between Buhari and B.D. Lawal (Secretary General of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal),” said the source.

The source said once the Senate confirms Hassan as minister, the President would withdraw him as an envoy-designate.

“It is an elevation,” said the source.

Recall that Hassan was nominated minister alongside Stephen Ocheni from Kogi State, which has not had a minister in the Federal Executive Council(FEC) since the death of James Ocholi.