Nigerian Leader to Assemble New Cabinet

Nigeria’s interim President Goodluck Jonathan will hopefully live up to his name after sacking his entire Cabinet on Wednesday. Given that he’s got less than a year before the next national election, Jonathan has to work fast to pick a new lineup, and many members may be familiar faces.  —KA

AFP via Google News:

Jonathan’s spokesman Ima Niboro said Wednesday’s cabinet dissolution was designed “to inject fresh blood and bring even greater vigour to governance”.

“It is part of a larger strategy to frontally confront the core challenges that face the nation at this critical moment of our history,” added Niboro, quoted in the newspaper ThisDay.

Sources said Jonathan had already started consultations prior to Wednesday, and that he appeared to have the backing of some powerful figures in the country.

Most of the prior 42-member cabinet are expected to be retained, however, sources in the presidency said.

“More than half will come back and we are expecting it (the new government) next week,” a presidential source told AFP, adding the appointment has to be fast-tracked as Jonathan tenure is left with less than a year.

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AP / George Osodi

Now Nigeria’s acting president, Goodluck Jonathan signs the document of office after being sworn in as vice president in May 2007.