Shock and bewilderment were on the faces of many on Tuesday as former Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode failed to make the ministerial list of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Prior to the release of the ministerial list earlier today, aides, loyalists and fans of the former governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, had been venting and ululating about his purported ministerial nomination. And they backed their enthusiasm with believable arguments.
When news later emerged that the president had decided to have an expanded cabinet of 42 – 36 to represent each state of the federation and six to represent the geopolitical zones – it was further victory celebrations for the Ambode people who reckoned that the expansion was to accommodate disgruntled party members like him. Alas, the release of the list earlier today has thrown Ambode and his supporters into heartrending mourning.
Many had expected Ambode to be one of the names to from Lagos to be appointed minister, but he and his followers were disappointed as his name was conspicuously missing. Rather, former Governor of Lagos and Minister, Babatunde Fashola retains his seat while former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora was the second name from Lagos.