Exclusive: Peter Obi May Replace Stella Oduah As Aviation Minister

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Wednesday, March 12th, 2014

IGNATIUS OKPARA, Enugu

For his total loyalty and support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration since inception, there are indications that the outgoing governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, may likely be appointed as minister of Aviation.

Gov Peter Obi of Anambra south-east Nigeria

In a similar vein, African Examiner gathered that former governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Kwara State during the last general election, Babatunde Belgore, may also be announced as minister by President Goodluck Jonathan later this week.

It would be recalled that Jonathan had during the swearing-in of the new ministers last week gave indications that more new ministers will be announced soon.

The aviation ministry had been without a substantive Minister since the former minister, Mrs. Stella Odua was sent packing by President Jonathan.

Eleven new ministers were sworn in last week as President prepares for the last lap of his first term in office.

Our correspondent reports that Governor Obi, who was elected under the platform of the crisis All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) had remained a loyalist of Jonathan since he took over mantle of leadership of Anambra state eight years ago.

Obi who is described in some political quarters as APGA-PDP governor, had remained steadfast with Jonathan’s administration since inception, even far more than some governors from the president’s own party, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The outgoing Governor will be handing over the mantle of leadership of Anambra state to his anointed successor, Willy Obiano on Monday, 17, March 2014 in Awka, the Anambra state capital.

Obi some time last week disclosed that his administration has left a whopping N75billion for Obiano, so as to enable his administration take- off.

A close source to Obi, told African Examiner in Awka, under anonymity “you know his Excellency, Governor Obi, has been a strong and dependable ally of president Jonathan. And because of their close relationship, am very sure that Jonathan will appoint him into federal position once he is through with his governorship business.”