Minister of State Appointment Labelled a "Constitutional Aberration" by Keyamo

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the role of Minister of State, describing it as a "constitutional aberration." 

During the valedictory Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Keyamo expressed his gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for the appointment but criticized the limited responsibilities and constraints faced by ministers of state in presenting their own ideas.

Keyamo highlighted the hindrance faced by ministers of state in implementing their individual performances due to the discretion of their superior ministers. 

Any innovative ideas proposed by ministers of state must be approved by their colleagues before consideration by the council. He clarified that his comments were not meant as ingratitude but rather as his contribution to the country's constitutional development.

He also pointed out the ongoing issues between ministers and ministers of state, despite previous attempts to resolve them through Ministerial Retreats conducted by previous administrations. Keyamo addressed the argument of cost-saving by cramming two ministers into one ministry, stating that it is no longer valid as both ministers and ministers of state already have separate offices, cars, security personnel, and personal aides.

Hajiya Ramatu Aliyu, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), echoed Keyamo's concerns and shared her own experiences, emphasizing the limitations faced by ministers of state. 

She questioned the dependence of a minister of state's voice and actions on another minister's decisions, which can lead to the perception of ineptitude if the latter fails. Aliyu urged the next administration to address these issues and ensure that all ministers are given the opportunity to perform effectively.

While acknowledging the achievements of President Buhari's administration, Aliyu cautioned that the progress of the government could be hindered if the roles of ministers and ministers of state are not clearly defined. 

She expressed hope that future opportunities would unlock the untapped potential of ministers representing various sectors.