Tinubu due to fly in to Lagos today with plans to unveil his ministerial list over Sallah

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu is due back in Nigeria today and is expected to unveil his list of ministerial nominees ahead of the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations taking place over the next two days.

Last week, President Tinubu attended a global financial summit in France and from there flew on to London, for what was described as a private visit. He is now expected to return to Lagos today ahead of the Sallah festivities taking place on June 28 and 29, during which there will be widespread celebrations across Nigeria.

Presidential sources confirmed that President Tinubu would return to his private Ikoyi home in Lagos later today to observe his first Sallah celebration as president. He is then expected to join other dignitaries for the Eid prayers at the Obalende Muslim prayer ground located in Dodan Barracks, the former seat of the Nigerian government.

One presidency source said that although the holiday only lasts until Thursday, President Tinubu may extend his stay until Sunday or Monday next week before he returns to Abuja. He returns amidst uncertainty about his ministerial list, which is almost ready to be sent to the National Assembly.

Another close presidential source, said: “I learned that Tinubu’s ministerial list is almost done. He kept a core of ministers to himself, heavily influenced by the kitchen cabinet of special advisers."

In March, presidential spokesman Dele Alake, said President Tinubu would constitute his cabinet within one month of assuming office. He added that this is in line with the fifth amendment to the constitution, mandating presidents-elects and governors-elect to submit the names of their ministerial and commissioner-nominees within 60 days of taking the oath of office for confirmation.